Emily Katelyn Benson (Brown)

Emily Katelyn Brown Benson

September 15, 1992 – August 16, 2025

The Girl with the River Washed Hair

Emily was born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 15, 1992. She was a beautiful girl with big eyes full of curiosity. She loved her big brother, unicorns and rainbow cake, her cousins, and her friends. She grew into a spunky young woman who brightened every conversation with punctuated enthusiasm and joy. She was equal parts girly-girl, tomboy, sassy, strong, and no-nonsense.

Ready for adventure, she moved to Tennessee and discovered rafting. She drew her strength and confidence from the river she loved so much. Rafting was her therapy, her place of worship, her place to connect to the Creator. She met her family there; her tribe who embraced her and helped her feel alive and whole. She met Alex on the river, and together they built a life in Tennessee and had a beautiful little girl, Penelope.

Emily loved her little girl and she loved her family. She is survived by her husband Alex; daughter Penelope; mother, Tami Johnson (Jerry), brother Tyler Brown (Brittney), grandfathers Walter Johnson & Michael Brown, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and her friends. She is preceded by her father whom she missed dearly, Sean Brown, her grandmothers “Mother” Mary Lou Johnson & Sandra Brown, and beloved mentor Dalford “Duck” Barton.

She never lost her childlike enthusiasm and love for rainbow cake, unicorns, tie-dye, and most of all, her family. “There are some who bring a light so great into this world that even after they are gone, the light remains.”

We love you, Peanut. We will see you after’while.