Caroldene Brown, 87, of Owensboro passed away February 14, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1938, to the late Harvey and Ella B. Dockery.
Caroldene, lovingly known as “Ma Brown,” had a home that was rarely quiet and never empty. It was common for her house to be filled with family, friends, and visitors who knew they were always welcome. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, and she carefully preserved those memories through cherished photos and well-worn albums that told the story of her beautiful life. Caroldene was both kind and tough — strong in spirit yet endlessly gentle in heart — truly one of the most caring women you could ever know. She worked as a waitress at Gem Cafe, for 32 years, where her warmth and welcoming smile made everyone feel like family.
Along with her parents, Caroldene is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Lee Brown; her siblings, Darrel, Danny, Paul, Irene, Alice, and Shirley Dockery; her great-grandchild, Keela Jo Brown.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Billy, Richard, Shirley, Ray, and Greg Brown; her grandchildren, Carisa (Mark) Dove, Rheagen Brown, Angela Storm, Kassidy Robinson, and Cheyanne Brown; her great-grandchildren, Dylan Evans, Lexi Brown, Mackenzie Evans, Matthew (Maddie) Dove, Zachary Dove, Cortney Dove, Phoebe Brown, Tristen Caniff, Ayden Storm, and Brayden Storm; her great-great-grandchildren, Waylon Evans, Boone Whittington, Kohen Evans, Gatlin Cravens, and Alba Kennard, and her special friend, Sharon Jackson.
Funeral services will be on 12:00 pm, on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory, with Fr. Will Thompson officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm, and will resume on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. Burial to follow the service at Elmwood Cemetery.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Caroldene Brown. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Brown and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.