Kathleen B. English

We come together with deep love and gratitude, to celebrate the life of Kathy English a woman whose legacy is rich, whose love was intentional, and whose presence filled every room she entered.

Born in Princeton, New Jersey, she later moved to Hamilton, New Jersey, where she was raised and graduated from Hamilton High West. She continued her education at Glassboro State College, now known as Rowan University, earning an Associate's Degree in Education, a foundation that would guide her lifelong passion for teaching and nurturing others.

She dedicated over 45 years of faithful service to caring for and educating others, beginning her career at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital and later retiring from The Arc Mercer (Step Ahead) as an Early Childhood Developmental Teacher after 38 years. Teaching was more than her profession it was her calling.

A devoted woman of faith, she was a long-standing member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in many capacities. She was an active member of the Helping Hands Committee, always willing to assist where needed. She also took great pride in decorating the church for holidays, programs, and special events transforming ordinary spaces into something beautiful. Her attention to detail and creative vision earned her the affectionate nickname "Martha Stewart."

Creativity was truly her joy. She had a gift for event planning and decorating, and she poured her heart into every project she touched. From planning family celebrations to creating customized floral arrangements, she believed every moment deserved to feel special. She handcrafted Easter baskets, designed Christmas wreaths, and created thoughtful holiday gifts, each one made with care and love. Whether it was a church function, a family gathering, or a holiday celebration, she had a way of making everything look elegant, welcoming, and unforgettable.

She was also known affectionately as ''Senior Diva," a name given by family and friends to honor her impeccable fashion sense, confidence, and grace. She believed in showing up well-dressed, well-prepared, and with pride no matter the occasion.

Family was the center of her world. She loved cooking large holiday meals, hosting gatherings, and spending quality time with the people she loved most. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise English and Herman English Sr.; her brothers Jeffrey English, Herman English Jr., and Anthony English, all of Trenton; her in-laws John Caldwell Sr., William Porter Sr., Janice Brown, Eugene (Christine) Brown, Ronald Brown, Dorothea Brown and Constance English.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 39 years, Joseph Brown Sr.; her children Brian English, Andre English (Sharon), Nichole English, and Joseph Brown Jr. (Jenny); her daughter and granddaughter, Shamira English. She is also survived by her grandchildren Brandy English, Andre McNair Sr. (Sydney), Ciara Brown, Aniyah Brown, and Julius Brown, all of Trenton; her great-grandchildren Sincere Kees, Sire Kees, Andre McNair Jr., and Legacy English; her sisters Janice Caldwell, Porter, Cynthia Porter, and Frances English; in-laws John Brown, Pauline Robinson (Edward)Paul Robinson (Lisa) Theresa, Dorothy, Wanda, Bertha, Corrine Brown; her special friends Janice Hendrix and Betty Wade; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Her legacy lives on in her faith, her family, her service, and the beauty she brought into every space she entered. She taught us that love is shown through action, creativity, and care.

Kathy, thank you for the memories, the lessons, the celebrations, and the love. We honor you today, and we will carry your legacy forward always.

Funeral service will be 11am Monday, January 5, 2026 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 735 E. State St., Trenton, NJ 08609. Calling hours will be 9am until the time of service. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ.

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