Kyrous 'Kay' G. Brown

We announce with heavy hearts that Kyrous “Kay” G. Brown, 91, of Raymond, MS., who was an angel on earth, became an angel in heaven on Oct. 3, 2022. She was an inspiration and blessing to all who knew her. She passed away at home with family by her side.

Kyrous was born in Stanton, MS August 30, 1931 to Harvey and Ollie Mae (Gray) Gunter and raised in the Carpenter/Learned area. After losing her mother at 16, she lived with family until entering Hinds Junior College Raymond campus. Kyrous lived and worked at Hinds, paying for her own education. Upon graduation she went to work as a civil servant as a supply technician for the Army National Guard, where she remained until retiring after 37 years and 9 months of total service. Within all those years she never took a sick day and was compensated for an accrued nine (9) months of unused sick time.

During Kyrous’s time at Hinds she was voted Most Intellectual Girl, class secretary, class treasurer, class representative, as well as Miss Hinds Junior College. She was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She graduated in 1952 with Special Honors, maintaining an “A” average throughout college. Underneath her name in the senior year photos someone wrote: “Her great mental faculties and the power to make friends will carry her a long way.” How true that statement became. Kyrous rarely traveled anywhere that she didn’t run into someone she knew and/or without making a new friend.

She married briefly after college to Clayton Barlow and had son, David, of whom she raised successfully on her own. She remarried in 1985, remaining so for 33 years until his death in 2018.

She became a member of Alta Woods Baptist Church May 9,1962. She supported all the church programs, but the formerly married group of which she was the director, became her main focus.

Kyrous was well-known for her strawberry cake, which was always requested for any church get-togethers. She always made sure the pastor and his family had one on a regular basis. Though, as much as she loved her family, both immediate and church, her biggest passion and true love was Jesus Christ and her burning desire to do His work which shown brightly in all she did.

The following excerpts were from a short piece written for the church February 2010 on “What Do You Think of When You Hear the Word LOVE”: “I love to help others, and the word love especially encompasses all of my ‘nursing home people.’ There I find people desperately seeking love, and I love them, but I am blessed with an abundance of love from them.” … “I feel fulfilled in going and seeing all of these people in the nursing homes. We hug their necks, have Bible study, sing and pray. They let us know they love us and appreciate our coming.”

As dancing was one of her many enjoyments in life, she danced every Saturday on the 1970’s TV show “The Hour of the 50’s”. Later in life she was a member of two separate line dancing teams visiting the nursing facilities quite often to entertain the residents.

Kyrous was one of the strongest pillars of the church, doing her part in every way helping to keep it strong. As one who was very dear to her heart, retired pastor Dr. Frank Thomas, said, “She was a Saint in every application of the word.”

And I believe that all who knew Kyrous Brown would agree that she had such a sweet soul. She will have a crown filled with jewels kissed by Jesus.

Kyrous was preceded in death by parents (listed above), brothers Aaron Gunter, John Gunter, Norman Gunter, Thelma C. Hemphill, Vernon Gunter, and grandson Forrest Lee Cotten. She is survived by her son David Barlow and daughter (in-law) Vanessa Barlow, grandson Vincent (Michelle) Clay of Hattiesburg, Ms., granddaughter Tiffany Barlow of Las Cruces, NM., great grandsons Elliot Clay and Roland Clay, as well as many loved nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation and service information can be found on the Lakewood Funeral Home site.

In lieu of flowers donations to Gateway Rescue Mission, Mississippi Food Bank, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital would be appreciated. Her heart has always been with those who were in need whether it be clothing, food, spiritual…or love.