Kathleen Stewart Bartley Brown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and Gigi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Lexington.

Kathleen was born in Wharton, W.Va., on Sept. 15, 1930, to Robert and Merle Stewart. 

An excellent student, she graduated on May 13, 1952, from KanawhaValley Hospital, one of the Charleston Hospital Schools of Nursing in West Virginia. While in school, she met her first husband, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Don L. Bartley, U.S. Army, who was then a student at Davis and Elkins College. Kathleen enjoyed life as a minister/chaplain’s wife and a mother of two, serving the church in many ways and nurturing her son and daughter, and she continued her career as an exceptionally caring and compassionate nurse as the young family traveled with Don’s work. 

In 1969, life changed for Kathleen when Don was tragically killed in Vietnam while serving as an Army Chaplain. She decided to raise her two teenaged children in Rockbridge Baths, where the family had returned when Don left for Vietnam. Kathleen had always loved the Baths community and the Bethesda Presbyterian, McElwee, and ImmanuelChurch communities, Don’s first churches upon graduation from Richmond Theological Seminary. 

Soon after the loss of her husband, Kathleen accepted the position as head nurse at Virginia Military Institute, serving with honor for 22 years. Kathleen was also very honored to have been married to two soldiers. Seven years after her first husband’s death, she married Lt. Col. Richard A. Brown, U.S. Army (Retired) and they enjoyed 37 years of marriage until his passing in 2013. They were members of Bethesda Presbyterian Church and the local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons, serving in leadership roles, continuing their love of travel, and making many dear friends. They also loved traveling to visit family and hosting many family events. They especially cherished time spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her two husbands, Kathleen was predeceased by her precious grandson, Sean M. Bartley. 

She is survived by her son, Don L. Bartley, Jr. and his wife Deborah of Hanover, Pa.; daughter Sharon B. Patterson of Lexington; son-in-law D. Bruce Patterson of Brownsburg; stepdaughter Debra Brown Roussos and her husband Constantinos of Athens, Greece; stepdaughter Dianna Brown Marchand and her husband Dale of Eatonville, W.Va.; granddaughter Christine B. Vaughn of York, Pa.; granddaughter Sarah M. Bartley of New York, N.Y.; grandson William Patterson and his wife Nicole of Troy; grandson Christopher Patterson and his wife Cara of Richmond; grandson Scott Patterson and his wife Jeanine of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; granddaughter Melody Roussos Feekes and her husband Andrew of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Nikki Roussos Gulley and her husband Matthew of Athens, Greece; grandson Stephen Roussos and his wife Caraline of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Ashley Trtek of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and her 18 great-grandchildren, whom she adored. 

We will remember Kathleen for her strength, unparalleled work ethic, wisdom, and her impenetrable faith. Her kindness, generosity and empathy, especially for the most vulnerable, inspired us every day. Most everywhere she lived, a beautiful garden was grown. Her homes were filled with books and lively conversation, and many were fortunate to be recipients of her beautiful hand crocheted afghans and gifts from her garden.

Kathleen will be laid to rest in ArlingtonNational Cemetery at a graveside service on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. New requirements for entering ArlingtonNational Cemetery are in place as of May 7, 2025. Please visit the Arlington NationalCemetery website at https:// www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/#/ to learn more. 

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.