Kay Sharon Brown

Kay was born in Louisville Kentucky to Maynard and Jessie Basham on June 25, 1941. She attended college at the University of Louisville after graduating from Manual High School in Louisville. She married James C. Brown, also of Louisville on October 10, 1964 in Louisville. She stayed at home with her two children for many years, then went to work at Sears & Roebuck catalog store in Fairfax City part time. She eventually moved to Fair Oaks Mall when it opened and was a manager in the Sears Catalog Department until she retired.

Once her children were out living on their own she picked back up on painting, which was what she was majoring in at UofL. She was a member of the Decorative Painters, Nations Capitol Chapter along with a few other groups. She loved teaching at the Apple Tree store, Michaels and AC Moore. She also taught at several retreats and get aways with other chapters in the area. She loved painting. She painted everything from tole painting to oil paintings. She loved going on trips with her painting friends to conventions as well. A few of her paintings have been on display at the Fairfax Museum in Fairfax City. You were very lucky if you were given one of her paintings, she never sold them. They were always given out of love. Kay had a wonderful sense of humor and everyone she met, immediately fell in love with her. She was a wonderful wife and the most amazing mother one could ask for and we will carry her memory in our hearts and will see her again one day.

Kay is survived by her husband, James C. Brown, her children, Michael K. Brown (Oksana), Cynthia K. Dowd (Jerry), her sister Sherry L. Harbolt (Jim), her five grandchildren, Jacob M. Brown, James T. Dowd, Hannah L. Brown, Jessica M. Brown and Alina Rudchuk, Frank C. Bennett and Savannah M Bennett. She also has four great grandchildren, Carter, Paisley, Lydia, and Wyatt. Kay is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann Dudley Matheny and four nieces and nephews. Kay is preceded in death by her parents and in-laws.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 from 1-4:30pm at the American Legion, Post 177, in Fairfax City. The address is 3939 Oak Street, Fairfax VA 22030. Please come celebrate the amazing woman that Kay was to so many.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The family of Kay wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the wonderful nurses at INOVA Fairfax Hospital that took such loving care of her during her last month of life.