Kathleen Ann Carson left this world on Nov. 11, 2014. She died at home holding the hand of her devoted husband, Bill Crowell.

Kathleen was born on Oct. 11, 1951 at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital in Wyandotte, Mich. She grew up in Allen Park, Mich., the youngest of five children of Sylvia Vera Tauck and Arthur Kimball Carson.

Kathleen was an artist. As a youth, she used getting dressed for school as an opportunity to experiment with shape and color, a practice she retained throughout her life. After graduating from Allen Park High School, Kathleen studied at the Fashion Institute of America in Atlanta and the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla.

Kathleen built a steady career in art in Washington, D.C. and New York City. In 1991, after spending a week at Penland School of Crafts, she made Tryon her home. She married fellow artist Bill Crowell under a full moon in September 1994.

Kathleen opened Kathleen’s Gallery (formerly Simply Irresistible) in 1997 to promote local and regional art. Kathleen’s own art and the art she created with Bill has become part of the landscape of Polk County – a collection of pieces at the Polk County Library, whimsical recycling bins in Saluda and many public installations throughout Tryon.

In addition to visual arts, Kathleen was a passionate and accomplished dancer. She appeared in and choreographed many Tryon Little Theater Productions, and was a treasured member of the Tap Dames.

A spirited force, Kathleen used her talent and imagination to promote and improve Polk County. She served on many local boards, raised funds for a multitude of local causes and was critical to the success of many valued events. Always the maverick, Kathleen was the first woman to serve on the Tryon City Council.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband of 20 years, Bill Crowell; siblings Lois Patricia O’Connell of Crystal River, Fla.; Arlene Kae Wahl (Mickey) of Seminole, Fla.; Arthur Kimball Carson of Southgate, Mich.; and Frederick John Carson of New Port Richey, Fla.; a slew of cherished, always-talked-about nieces and nephews and a wide circle of loving friends.

Petty Funeral Home in Landrum is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kathleen Carson Art Fund at Tryon Elementary School; 100 School Place; Tryon, N.C.  28782.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Kathleen’s life Dec. 6, 2014 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Saluda Forge in Tryon.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfunerahome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory

Landrum, S.C.