Carol Joyce Brown, formerly of Olin, Iowa and Stafford, Texas, passed away in Austin, Texas on June 3, 2023.

Carol, 79, was born in Anamosa, Iowa on October 27, 1943, to William Ferman Robertson and Grace Viola Klumph Robertson.  She grew up on the family farm in Olin, Iowa and graduated from the Olin High School in 1961.   She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and English.  She received a Master's Degree in Library Science from Indiana University.

Carol had a long and successful career as a library administrator and consultant.  She began her career in Houston, Texas, working for the Houston Public Library System (HPLS) in 1976.  She was manager of the Jungman Branch and eventually became the Assistant Chief of Branch Services of HPLS.  In 1989, Carol left the library and started her own business (Carol Brown Associates) as a national library consultant.  She specialized in library planning and worked on over 90 library projects in Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, California, Florida, and other states.  In 1999, Carol joined the Fort Bend County Library System and became its Director in 2003. She retired in 2008.  She is the author of three books on library design and furniture.

Aside from her accomplished professional career, Carol was a dedicated mother and grandmother, a talented painter, an avid book reader, and a lifelong Astros and Oilers fan.  She loved art history, books, movies, and music. She was known for her humor, intellect, creativity, and - at times - sharp tongue. Carol was also well respected by her peers and employees.

Carol is survived by her sister, Carmen Darrow; her children, Ian Brown and Kevin Brown; her grandchildren, Nathan, Christian, Lilianna, and Luc; her daughters-in-law, Megan Brown and Corinne Arles; her nephews and niece (David Darrow, Jim Darrow, Dan Darrow, and Carla Darrow) and her former husband, Eric Brown, and his wife, Centha Davis.

Carol's family is greatly appreciative of the love, care, and support she received from the wonderful staff at the Arden Courts in Austin, Texas.  Donations can be made to the Fort Bend County Libraries (Genealogy Department): Use Memorial Donation button below to donate.

Carol will be interred in the Olin Cemetery, Olin, Iowa.   Goettsch Funeral Home has taken Carol and her family into their care.  By visiting Goettschonline.com you may share your thoughts, memories and condolences with Carols family and sign the online guest book.