Kathleen Vail Brown

Kathleen Vail Brown, lovingly known as Kathy, was on January 13, 1948, in Manilla, AR, and passed away on September 28, 2024 in Olive Branch, MS. Her departure came surrounded by the love of her family after a lengthy battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy woven with strength, humor, and resilience.

Kathy dedicated 15 years of her life working for Sharp where her commitment and hard work earned the respect of her colleagues. Following her retirement, she continued to serve the community for another 15 years as a receptionist for the Horn Lake Police Department. Her professional life was marked by a strong work ethic and an unwavering dedication to those she served.

In her personal life, Kathy's feisty personality and nurturing spirit shone brightly, especially among her siblings. Her sister, Mary, recalls with gratitude how Kathy courageously saved her life from drowning many years ago, a true testament to her heroic nature. Kathy also stepped in as a mother figure to her younger siblings during times of need, particularly when her brother was hospitalized. This nurturing instinct extended beyond family; Kathy was a pillar of support for everyone around her.

Her passions included gardening, where she found joy and serenity amidst nature. Kathy was also a devoted dog lover, cherishing the companionship of her beloved dogs, Goldie and Nina.  She enjoyed having a great time with her family and friends, and food was usually involved, including salmon patties, biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings, and pancakes.  This is how she showed her love to everyone.  In her heart, she proudly nurtured her autonomy, demonstrating the importance of being self-sufficient. She took immense pride in her work and, most notably, in the accomplishments of her grandson, Max Hancock, whose success brought her profound joy.

Kathy is survived by her son, Brian Hancock (Vivian); daughter, Tammy Simmons; grandson, Max Hancock; stepdaughter, Nanette Brown-Roth (Adam); stepson, Paul Tyler; step-grandson, Jonathan Brown; and her siblings, Mary Poe (Ronnie) and Wayne Vail (Mattie). She was predeceased by her parents, Roy S. and Reba (Henson) Vail, her beloved husband of 14 years, Johnny Kay Brown, and her sisters, Nella Hopkins, Jackie Puckett, and Jeanie Alexander, as well as her brother, Gaylon Vail.

Kathy’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her, embodying strength, love, willingness to lend a helping hand, and bravery. A visitation will be held on October 4, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at The Carter Memorial Chapel at Twin Oaks Funeral Home in Southaven, MS. 

As we gather to celebrate her life, we remember a woman who was more than just family; she was a hero, a caregiver, and a source of unwavering love and support.