Kaye L. Horton was born on August 23, 1931, in Durant, Mississippi, to Allen Brown, Sr. and Gertrude Brown, both of whom preceded her in death. She was one of fourteen children and was raised in a large family where love, responsibility, and resilience were instilled early in life. These values would remain with her throughout her journey.

After completing high school, Kaye moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she began building her independence and work ethic. She later relocated to the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area, which became her lifelong home. It was there that she established a life deeply rooted in faith, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family. Kaye passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength and service.

Kaye was united in marriage to James Horton, and from this union two children were born, Maxine Martin (Jack) and Brenda Clark (Frank). She was preceded in death by her former husband; her parents; her beloved daughter, Maxine Martin; and her grandchildren, Ronnie Horton, Michael Martin, and James Martin. She was also preceded in death by several siblings, including her brothers Thelmon Brown, Allen Brown, Jr., Addison Brown, Evans Brown, and Jurden Brown, as well as her sisters Sara Brown, Gertrude Brown, Florzell Beecham, Loretha Morris, Adell Outley, and Fannie Stewart.

Kaye leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Brenda Clark; her grandchildren Johnny Martin, Treniece Clark, Aysha Sudduth, Dawn Martin, Sha-Nia Porter, Frank Clark III, and Sheniece Martin; her siblings Gonzales Brown and Agness Remon; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, all of whom she loved deeply and supported wholeheartedly.

A woman of strength and purpose, Kaye was known for being a hard worker and a straight shooter who spoke her mind with honesty and conviction. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others through her work as a nurse at Baptist Hospital and as a licensed cosmetologist. In every role she undertook, her compassion, discipline, and commitment were evident. She also demonstrated strong financial wisdom, successfully owning and managing real estate, which reflected her independence, foresight, and determination.

Kaye had a special heart for children and opened her home to foster children, providing them with love, guidance, and stability during critical times in their lives. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family and left a lasting impact on many who crossed her path.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was baptized at an early age at New Kingdom Baptist Church in Pickens, Mississippi. After moving to Kansas City, Kaye became an active and devoted member of Spruce Street Matthew Baptist Church and later Second Missionary Baptist Church. There, she served faithfully and was honored as a member of the Mother Board. She was widely respected for her wisdom, leadership, and steadfast devotion to God and the church.

Kaye L. Horton will be remembered for her resilience, honesty, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. Her enduring legacy of faith, strength, and service will continue to live on through the many lives she touched and through all who were blessed to know and love her.