Obituary of Barbara J. Brown

Barbara J. Goldsberry Brown, 83, of Lansingburgh, beloved wife of the late William E. “Gene” Brown, peacefully entered eternal life on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at home.

Born in Troy, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Violet Ross Goldsberry and was a graduate of Troy High School and completed her education when she attended Morrisville College.

Mrs. Brown served as Affirmative Action Officer with the NYS Higher Education Services Corp. in Albany where she had been employed for many years prior to retiring.

She was involved with the NAACP, served as the President of the New York State Human Rights Advisory Council, Coordinator of the Human Rights Players, a member of the Versatile Club of Troy, NY, served as Chairlady for the Annual Luncheon that honored the Women of Troy, was active in the NYS Affirmative Action Council and was a member of the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church in Troy.

Barbara enjoyed going for long car rides like her husband, enjoyed working on puzzles, loved going to garage sales on Saturdays, loved Science Fiction including her favorite authors Stephen King and Clive Barker, and cooking for family and friends. Her favorite song was Billy Preston’s “Outta Space” which she used to play all the time!   She enjoyed watching X-Files and Star Trek.  She had a lovely singing voice, and could be heard humming around the house, especially with the grandchildren.   She loved the Christmas holiday and would decorate the house which included her Christmas town display which the family loves to rearrange. 
Guided by her aunts, she participated in the Etiquette Classes for Girls and the Debutante Ball which was sponsored by the original Versatile Club. The saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”, was certainly the case with Barbara. Her aunts were very involved in raising her, especially her Aunt Gertrude.  She always had a positive personality and loved to dance. She was very proud of her children and was delighted to talk about her grandson and granddaughters. Barbara and her husband Gene loved maintaining their property
especially planting beautiful flower gardens and going on cruise vacations.

Devoted mother of Crystal (Mark) Bowers, Deidre Brown Baumgartner, Regina Brown and William E. (Sarah) Brown, Jr., loving sister of Nancy (Otis) Williams and the late Bruce Goldsberry, cherished grandmother of Brennan (Kaylee Pierre) Singletary, Elizabeth Brown, Victoria Brown and Isabella Brown, also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (at the corner of 115^th Street in Lansingburgh) Troy, NY 12182 on Thursday, May 14, 2026 for Calling Hours from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and for the Service that evening at 6:00 p.m. which will be officiated by Rev. Victor Patterson, MDiv – Pastor of the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, Troy.

Please offer your Condolences or share a memory which will be added to her Tribute Wall on this page.