Kim Brown

Kim Michelle Brown, born December 31, 1958, in Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family who shared loving and happy memories with her in her final days.

Kim was a woman of deep faith, resilient spirit, and an unmatched heart for others. Raised with a strong belief in God, she lived a life of love, generosity, and joy. A proud graduate of Topeka High School, where she was once a cheerleader, Kim went on to work in graphic arts and was recognized with a National Typesetting Award for her creativity and skill. She was also the family photographer—capturing thousands of moments that now serve as treasured memories of her beautiful life.

She loved writing poetry, reading scripture, and creating meaningful traditions for her family. She had a soft spot for M&Ms and Pepsi, which she enjoyed up until her final breath. She was always up for a shopping trip or a spontaneous road trip—bringing joy and laughter wherever she went.

Kim is survived by her loving father, Dale Johnston; her devoted daughter, Amanda Brown; and her treasured grandson, Joshua Tyler Buck, Jr., who was the light of her life. She is also survived by her siblings: Linda Woodland (Dan), Mike Johnston (Rayla), sister Tami Brooks, and brother-in-law Rick Salyer. Her nieces and nephews were a cornerstone of her life, especially her niece Sarah Johnston, whom Kim considered a second daughter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Norma Johnston, and her sister, Susan Salyer.

Despite many medical setbacks throughout the years, Kim’s strength never wavered. She lived her life with courage and grace, always putting others first. Her unwavering love, sense of humor, and passionate soul touched everyone who knew her.

In memory of her love for poetry, her daughter Amanda shared a poem she wrote and read to Kim in her final days, titled “My Mom, the Hero”:

My Mom, the Hero

Golden wings, you shield my pain

You wipe my tears through times of strain

An angel of mercy in my darkest hour

You touched each soul with grace and power

Your radiance and love shine sincere

A light of truth to all who come near

No matter what happens in life or beyond

You’ll always be my best friend—my world’s best mom.

Her legacy will live on in every story told, every tradition kept, every memory she captured through her camera lens, and the many lives she touched. There will never be another like her. Now she rests in heaven—pain free and at peace.

A visitation will take place at 10am Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at Westside Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave, Topeka, KS 66606. Funeral Services will follow at the same location at 11am. A Graveside Service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to West Side Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave., Topeka, KS 66606 or to Apostolic Church of Topeka, 2313 SE 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.