Kathryn Ellen Brown Flowers

Kathryn Ellen Brown Flowers, 67, of Marion, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at her residence.

A lifelong resident of McDowell County, Kathy was born on Christmas Day 1958 to the late Wilmer Lewis Brown and Ellen Ann Morris Brown.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Marion, Kathy’s faith was central to her identity. She participated actively in her church community, formerly serving as a deacon and enriching the congregation as a member of the choir and the handbell choir. Her contributions went beyond mere attendance; she was a cherished presence whose love for others shone brightly through her actions.

A graduate of the American Business and Fashion Institute, she began her career in sales at her family’s business, the Ramble Rack, where she cultivated her passion for retail. She later flourished in the RV sales industry, most notably at Tom Johnson’s and Bob Ledford’s, where she formed long-lasting relationships with her customers who appreciated her warm, inviting nature. Additionally, Kathy, who had a particular fondness for shopping herself, was proud to be a part-owner of One of A Kind, a boutique where she showcased her keen eye for women's clothing, and she also sold jewelry earlier in her career.

Kathy’s personality can best be described as loving and caring— a true people person whose warmth and compassion left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Kathy was known for her trademark phrase, “happy day,” a fitting reflection of her joyful disposition. While she brought happiness to many through her work and her affectionate nature, nothing brought her greater joy than her beloved grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and happiness in her life.

She is survived by her two daughters, Margaret “Meg” Ellen Flowers Tranthem and Caroline Osborne Flowers (Quintin Hunter); four grandchildren, William “Will” Lewis Flowers, Benjamin “Reed” Tranthem, Jacob “Jake” Sawyer Tranthem, and Avana Marie Hunter; her brother, Steven Lewis Brown (Pamela Reavis Brown); her sister, Jennifer Brown Robson; two nephews, Benjamin Jacob Robson and Luke Brittain Robson; and her former husband and friend, Benjamin Michael “Mike” Flowers.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Marion. A memorial service, officiated by Rev. Dr. David B. Smith, will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church.

At Kathy’s request, please, no flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to be made to First Baptist Church of Marion, 99 N. Main Street, Marion, NC 28752 or to Mission Ministries Alliance, PO Box 297, Marion, NC 28752 for the Friendship Home for Women and Children.