Kathryn Brown

Kathryn Eugenia Suddarth Brown, age 92, a true Christian southern lady, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, surrounded by her children. Born November 29, 1933, in the Belotes Bend area of Sumner County, she was the daughter of the late Charles Henry Suddarth and Ruth Carpenter Suddarth.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Gene W. Brown; sisters Dean (Hayward) Arrington and Doris (JB) Gregory; sisters-in-law Rose Brown and Doug (H.G.) Kirby; and brother-in-law Joe Brown.

Kathryn is survived by children Sherry (Mack) Bentley, Mark (Sheila) Brown, Vivian Layman and Mike (Rachel) Brown; grandchildren John Bentley, Brian (Val) Bentley, Rachael (Nick) Spangler, Matthew (Katherine) Layman, Rhett (Sara) Layman, Elizabeth (Lance) Wright and Claire Scott; great grandchildren Patrick and Andrew Bentley, Ella Kate and Matthew Bentley, Owen and Collins Spangler, Rebecca and Caroline Layman, Charlie, William and Frances Layman, Connor, Thomas and Dalton Wright, and James and Greyson Scott. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Barbara Brown and Fredia (Allen) Crowe; and brother-in-law David Brown.

She was called 'Jean' by her family and classmates, later using 'Kathryn' when she married Gene Brown. The early years of her life were blessed with many family gatherings, church socials, farm pets and delicious meals from foods grown on the farm. “Little Jean” attended Corum Hill Elementary, Vena Stuart Elementary and graduated from Gallatin High School in the class of 1953. She was an inspector at Shafer Corp and later became a loving daycare operator in her home. She was employed by Sumner County School Board as records clerk in the Materials Center then later as secretary in the Transportation Department.

Kathryn attended Corum Hill Baptist Church and also attended Melrose Cumberland Presbyterian Church. As a little girl much of her social life revolved around Sunday meetings, revivals, and other community events. Young Jean and a dear cousin, Raymond, together gave their lives to Christ the same night. She was baptized on the bank of the Cumberland River and thus began an active life as a believer who made serving others a lifetime passion. Kathryn and Gene Brown were faithful members of Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church. There she served as Sunday School teacher and sang soprano in the choir. She held various offices as member of the United Methodist Women. As an active member of Lambuth, she served on the Building Committee, Administrative Board, Worship Committee, and Pastor Parish Relations. A special project of hers was to serve on the Gallatin Community Church's World Day of Prayer. Every day was an opportunity for Kathryn to be an example of Christ's love. Leading by example, she and other servant minded individuals lead prayer services in various churches, praying for the needs of the community, our state, our country and our world. She was always involved in the Annual Lambuth Church Bazaar. She will forever be known as the lady who would bake and sell the most delicious coconut cakes! Baking then delivering cakes and giving GOD ALL THE GLORY!

Married on December 20, 1953, Kathryn and Gene Brown worked hard to teach their children to love the Lord, provide for their family and serve the others. As a young wife and mother, she enjoyed cooking, canning, sewing, refinishing furniture and taking swimming lessons as an adult!

In 1982 she chose to campaign for the office of Register of Deeds in Sumner County. She recalls what a joy it was to meet and serve the citizens of Sumner County. Her career lasted for 16 years with her running unopposed in the last three elections. Voted President of the Middle Tennessee Registers Association 1990 and 1996, “Miss Kathryn” gave much credit for the efficiency of her office to the wonderful staff who worked for her. She loved and treated them like family.

As part of her public life, she became very active in the community. She was the first woman ever elected Register of Deeds in Sumner County; President of the State Registers Association 1996-97; President of All County Officials Association; 1997 Outstanding Sumner County Official Award; Charter Graduate of University of Tennessee County Officials Certificate Program; Business and Professional Woman (BPW) of the year 1987 and Recruitment Award 1989-90; Kiwanis Club Recruitment Award and special work on TOY DRIVE; Member of Sumner County Archives; and United Way of Sumner County.

For extra fun with lots of giggles she was a very active member of the “Red Hat Lovelies of Gallatin." “Lady Kathryn” adored dressing up and always exuded fashion and flare!  She was an active and longtime member of the Cairo Community Club. Miss Kathryn was always busy recruiting others to join the special fellowships that were so close to her heart.

After the passing of husband Gene, Kathryn happily moved into Charter Senior Living March of 2021. There Miss Kathryn greeted every new resident and new family member as an enthusiastic ambassador of the Charter Community.  Daily interaction with others was part of her routine that gave life and abundant joy to her remaining years.  She had a genuine love of people and possessed a servants heart. Miss Kathryn was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. One of her favorite sayings was “A smile doesn’t cost you anything.”

Visitation will take place on Friday, December 12, from 11am til 6pm at Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Gallatin.  A funeral service officiated by Reverend Allen Weller will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 13, at Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church, 1042 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin.  The family will welcome friends and visitors one hour prior to the funeral.  Burial will follow in Sumner Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Matt Layman, Rhett Layman, Nick Spangler, Lance Wright, Brad Anderson, and Charlie Shaw.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church, 1042 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin, TN  37066.

Cairo Community Club, c/o Margie Carter, 126 Spencer Spring Drive, Gallatin, TN  37066.

Or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center 584 Nashville Pike, Gallatin. (615) 502 0011 Online condolences can be made at www.AlexanderGallatin.com