Karen Kay Brown

Karen Kay Smith Brown, 74, of Rossville, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 16, 1951, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Dan and Betty Smith.

Karen was a proud graduate of Rossville High School, Class of 1969. She also graduated from Mid-South Cosmetology School and went on to become a successful business owner and operator of Designer’s Den and Southern Roots Salon.

A devout Christian, Karen faithfully attended Redemption to the Nations Church. She had a deep love for reading, especially her Bible, and was known by many as a true prayer warrior. Karen was also a former softball coach and enjoyed cooking, music, and watching her favorite shows, Reba and The Golden Girls. She especially loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, but above all, she treasured time spent with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, Larry Brown, and her sister, Dana Smith Goodman.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Bethany Laura Brown and Kristy Brown Hodson; her sister, Tonja Smith (Dave) Thornhill; her brother, Hubert “Danny” Daniel (Suzie) Smith Jr.; and her grandchildren, Hunter (Neely) Hodson, Hannah Griffin (Montgomery), Kyleigh Hodson, Dalton Griffin, and Brody Hodson. She is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, and many extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 PM, and again on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at New Covenant Baptist Church 105 Spruce Street, Rossville, Georgia 30741 with Pastor Mike Gregg officiating. The family will also receive friends at the church from 11:00 AM until the hour of service. Interment will follow at Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.

Condolences may be shared with the Brown family at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.

All arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home and Crematory South Crest Chapel, Rossville, Georgia.