Arlene King Brown, of Norton Hill, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the age of 88.

Her story began on May 8, 1937, when she became the daughter of Marion Zelma Wasson and

Woodbridge Little King. She grew up on a farm in Athens with her sister Janice. She attended school

in Athens until moving to Catskill, where she graduated High School. Arlene married Leland K. Brown

soon after graduating from Oneonta State College in 1958. She then began her teaching career at

Greenville High School.

Arlene put her teaching career on hold in order to raise her 5 children. She filled the next years by

leading 4-H groups, managing sports teams and devoting many hours to various church activities. In

her 40’s, she returned to college to earn her Master’s degree, which lead to a librarian position at the

Durham Elementary School. She retired from that position after 15 years. Arlene’s love of children

and teaching continued to bloom as she developed a new passion for storytelling. She spun yarns at

many events to all age groups. Arlene and Lee were proud members of the Greenville/Norton Hill

United Methodist Church. She spent many hours at the church’s thrift store.

She lived in their beloved family home on Old Plank Road in Norton Hill for 50 years, where she

treasured her flower gardens, fed the birds, watched the deer and the beautiful sunsets over the

Catskill Mountains. It was truly a piece of heaven on earth. Entering their home was like visiting a

museum of family history that also paid homage to the boarding house it once was. She cherished

all memories of loved ones past and present through her many treasures and heirlooms.

Predeceased by her husband Leland, sister Janice and parents, she leaves behind her 5 children David

Brown (Jennifer), Lyle Brown (Theresa), Lawrence Brown (Laura), Diane Martin (Norman), Stephen

Brown (Kate); Grandchildren, Kevin Brown (Kate), Cassandra Conrad (Sam), Tyler Brown, Paitra

Martin, Quinn Martin, Jaclyn Thurston (Ernie); greatgrandchildren, Wesley and Colton Conrad, Ella

and Emersyn Brown, Dillinger and Dane Thurston. Of all the seeds she planted, her family was

cherished most of all. She told her final story, Snow Soup, to her 6 great grandchildren at her beloved

Thanksgiving celebration, where they hung on to every word.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Arlene’s life to be held on Monday, May 4th at

12:00 at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 5820 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083.

Condolences may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Asbury United

Methodist Church, P.O. Box 599, Greenville, NY 12083.