Frieda Brown

Frieda Kenyon Brown
Pisgah Forest - Frieda Kenyon Brown, 91, died peacefully at her home on July 8, 2011 after an extended illness.

She was born on July 2, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA and was raised in Southeastern PA. During the depression she spent what she always described as an idyllic childhood living on an apple farm and attending a one room school. After graduating from Cheltenham High School, she attended Bryn Mawr College. Then WWII broke out, and she felt the need to do her part towards the war effort. She tried to join the RAF, but her vision was too poor. She then joined the American Red Cross and after serving in the Aleutian Islands, made the trip to Europe. She worked in Field Hospitals across France and Germany with the 3rd Army, witnessing both the triumphs and horrors firsthand, including the liberation on Nazi Concentration Camps at the end of the war. She ultimately was awarded the Medal of Freedom for her work as a civilian during the conflict.

She met a handsome Infantry Lieutenant, William Douglas Brown and they were married in Biarritz, France in September of 1945. After spending some time in Germany as a part of the Occupation Army, they returned stateside and she assumed the role of an Army Officer's wife. Eschewing the afternoon teas and fancy hats, she wore jeans and sneakers, and was often seen pedaling around base on her bicycle.

Moving from place to place, at frequent intervals, she raised two children and pursued her own career as an author. She has published several novels and short stories. In the late 1971 after military retirement, they moved to Pisgah Forest where she was finally able to put down roots in a home of her own. She tended to numerous retired, abused, and neglected horses, along with a multitude of dogs, cats, and assorted wildlife. She was an author, and continued writing and collaborating with Dr. Claude Frazier of Asheville on many projects. Several years ago, she placed her beloved farm under the protection of the Carolina Mountain Conservancy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. William D. Brown(Ret.) in 1994; her parents, Benjamin and Adrienne Franklin, brothers; Benjamin and Alan Franklin, and a sister; Jean Ely. She is survived by her son; Douglas K. Brown and wife Jamie and their children, Adrienne and Benjamin of Mooresville, NC and a daughter; Jean Dunleavy of Pisgah Forest and her long-time friend and helper, William A. Bell of Pisgah Forest.

She will remembered for her intellect, her strength, and her kindness.

Thank you to TRH Hospice and Home Care for the care and support provided during the final months of Frieda's life. A very special thank you to Phyllis Millender, whose skill and loving care provided comfort and even laughter during this difficult time.

If making a donation is desired, please consider the Flower Fund at Brevard Animal Hospital, 1985 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712 or to TRH Hospice, 260 Hospital Dr., Brevard, NC 28712.

A private service will be held in the future. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Moore Funeral Home is caring for the family.