Young mother of two who unexpectedly died was a ‘ray of sunshine’

POCATELLO — A 27-year-old wife and mother is being remembered for the love she showed to others throughout her life.

Khyliegh Brown struggled with chronic pain and other health problems for years, according to family members. They said she recently contracted pneumonia and strep throat, and she went to the emergency room last week because her oxygen levels were low. She was admitted, but died early Monday morning.

“There was nothing she wanted more than to be the best wife, except being a mother,” Khyliegh’s husband, Dylan Brown, said in a statement to EastIdahoNews.com. “She did everything she possibly could to be wonderful at both, despite the limitations that life placed on her in the form of chronic back pain.”

Khyliegh was born in Pocatello on Dec. 4, 1995, to Jasson and Sabrina Mathews. She quickly earned the nickname “Smiley Khyliegh” because she constantly had a smile on her face.

She grew up in both Pocatello and parts of Utah. Khyliegh attended several high schools but ultimately graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello. This is where Khyliegh and Dylan met and became high school sweethearts.

“When the Mathews kids turn 18, Jasson and Sabrina give them a gift as a joke,” Khyliegh’s sister, Karolynn Smith, explained. “Khyliegh was given a wedding bouquet. The next day at school, Khyliegh was talking to her friends saying that she now has to get married. Dylan, not knowing her at all at that time, walked into the classroom and said, ‘I’ll do it,’ and he did.”

Khyliegh and Dylan were married Feb. 14, 2017, and have two children, ages five and two. Not only did she find joy in being a wife and mother, but she also found happiness in sharing her talents with those around her.

She made homemade gifts for people, was a friend to all and was “very musically talented.” She taught elementary students how to play the violin and “inspired them to make music part of their lives.”

“Khyliegh was a ray of sunshine for those around her. She was a peacemaker — a lover not a fighter,” Dylan stated. “Khyliegh was extremely loyal to those she loved and loved people fiercely. She was unique and beautiful.”

Of the countless life lessons Dylan will never forget Khyliegh teaching him, one stands out above them all, and that is to love people.

“That is what matters,” he said. “Work and money and things have their place but people, love and happiness are so much more important. God is our loving Heavenly Father. He loves us like kids, so doing what he says will bring us the most happiness in the long run.”

Although family and friends are mourning the death of Khyliegh, her sister wants people to remember what Khyliegh believed.

“Khyliegh believed in the eternal family and would want everyone to take comfort in that,” Karolynn said. “She believes that she will see us all again in the next life.”

Funeral services for Khyliegh will take place May 15 at 11 a.m. at 300 E. Chapel Road in Pocatello. A viewing will be held at the same location on May 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at 10 a.m. prior to the service.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Brown family. To donate, click here.