V Brown

JUNE 25TH, 1941 - MAY 31ST, 2022

SERVICE FOR LIFE AND MEMORY “Ronnie”, “Yams”

“A LIFE INFLUEN CED BY JESUS CHRIST”

Born: Wednesday June 25th, 1941

Demise: Tuesday May 31st, 2022

Funeral Service Held:

SUNDAY - JULY 3RD, 2022 AT 11 A.M.

GRANTS TOWN

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Wellington Street, Nassau Bahamas

Officiating:

Early in the summer of 1941 on Wednesday, June 25th in a quaint settlement called Gaitors located in Cat Island, one of the Bahamian family of islands, a beautiful daughter was gifted by the Grand Creator to delighted parents Granville and Adline Brown. Veronica Elaine was the name they selected for their 3rd daughter and 5th child in their brood of 12 children. Veronica demonstrated from an early age she possessed a pleasant, cheerful, optimistic and victorious personality that epitomized her life.

Veronica was raised with an appreciation for the value of strong family bonds, caring for and sharing with others and above all belief, unwavering faith and love for God. Her early childhood years in her native Cat Island were spent living between the settlements of Gaitors where her parents resided and Knowles where her maternal grandmother Almira Seymour lived. Veronica enjoyed the simplicity and freedom of island living where she engaged in exploring her surroundings on land and by the seaside, assisting in tending the fields, learning to care for home and cook, engaging in the various games played by children in the outdoors and story-telling. Technology was significantly limited in the islands at that time so she and her siblings were no couch potatoes. They were active, vibrant and happy children with a fervor and love for life!

When Veronica reached the required age to attend school, the decision was made for her to enroll at Knowles All Age School. This was because she along with her younger brother Humphrey often stayed with their Nana (maternal grandmother) who adored and cherished them. This is evident by the fond recollections Veronica shared about her grandmother as she endeavored to emulate love and affection to her family members often saying “Nana would say these are my people, there is nothing like family”.

Veronica was a good student who excelled in her studies. On completion of her tenure at the Knowles All Age School, she was appointed as a school monitor teaching students. Education, personal growth and development were important to Veronica. Hence, at the age of 17 she moved to New Providence which afforded more opportunities in pursuance of her goals and aspirations.

Veronica was an industrious, committed and hard-working lady. She initially began work as a Cashier with City Markets Food Stores. Thereafter, she joined the staff of The

Bahamas Development Board. She was self motivated and desired to diversify her functionality and relevance in the workforce. She attended evening classes, pursued courses in typing and shorthand under the tutelage of Dr. Ruth White and enrolled in Secretarial Science courses with Skinners Commercial School. She was successful and obtained her studies with distinction. She would go on to join the staff of Howard Johnson as a waitress. With her foot in the door she actively looked for opportunities to progress. Not long thereafter she joined the Front Desk Office within the Nassau Beach Hotel where she worked for 25 years, eventually attaining the position as Secretary to the hotel’s General Manager.

Caring, generous and loving by nature, Veronica after 25 rewarding years in the hotel industry made the decision to quit working and care for her eldest sister who was battling cancer. It was not until her sister passed away that she returned to work with Michael Hepburn & Co Chartered Accountants where she served as Administrative personnel for some 35 years, retiring December 2020. Throughout her working years Veronica was known and recognized as a competent, dedicated, punctual, loyal employee whose work ethics was par excellence.

Family togetherness was a revered, vitally important and valued aspect of Veronica’s life, secondary only to her love for God and spirituality. She was a devoted and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, inlaw - actually the best relative anyone could ever hope to have in one’s life. Words are most inadequate to express her commitment, love and adoration of her “Brown Heritage” and those she loved.

Veronica’s only daughter Peggy regarded her mom as a special blessing from God. No sacrifice for her welfare was too great in her mother’s opinion. This was exemplified especially when Peggy had major surgery in 2017 and again in 2019. Not only was Veronica by her daughter’s side throughout the ordeal, but took 3 months off from work, cheering on “her Pegs” in West Gables, Florida as Peggy underwent therapy after brain surgery to regain her functionality. Two years later when Veronica’s beloved and only child faced a recurrence of her brain tumor, without hesitation she again stayed home from work to nurse her daughter back to health. This was just Veronica’s way! In the past she chose to quit her job to care for her

“The best measure of a well lived life has less to do with the number of years we lived, … but more to do with how other’s lives were lovingly touched by our presence”

~ Author Unknown

terminally-ill sister Ethlyn, traveled to Canada to assist her brother Humphrey during an emergent health crisis, was an active participant in the care of her sisters Brenda and Pernell illnesses until their passing and always demonstrated genuine concern for relatives or friends when they were sick.

In the eyes of her granddaughter - Veronica was irrefutably the world’s best Grammy! Teoria’s accomplishments as well as becoming a physician were attainable because of her grandmother’s genuine love, unwavering support, encouragement and tangible contributions from birth to ensure her grandchild had spiritual training and guidance in addition to an education.

“Ronnie or Yams” as she was affectionately called by her siblings (Roland, Ethlyn “Marcus”, Pernell, Jerome “Hezekiah”, Brenda, Humphrey, Rodney and Tusie) was a ‘treasured gem of a sister” who could be depended on and was available always helping through the good and tough times. Their loving bond was only severed by death. Veronica was a wonderful and loyal sister-in-law who treated and regarded her in-laws as if they were her biological sisters, brothers or a son. In the minds and hearts of her nieces and nephews as well as their children, Aunt Ronnie held a very special place. She was an adoring aunt whose home was always welcoming, unashamedly cherished and displayed photographs of her dear family, kept in contact with them whether they lived near, far or abroad, always showering them with love, gifts and found a “few dollars” as she termed it to give them.

Christian values were a part of Veronica’s life from birth. However in July 1967 she dedicated her life to God in baptism as a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She was an active and faithful church member. She joyously and enthusiastically served in the roles of Pathfinder, Master Guide, Choir member, Deaconess and Sabbath School teacher - willing to assist her church in any way she possibly could. Highlights of her spiritual journey

were fine fellowship with fellow believers, traveling to the various General conferences in Louisiana, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Missouri, Texas and Canada and participating in the crusades encouraging others to come to know God. Her mantra was “with God all things are possible”.

Veronica was blessed with a long life having lived to be 80 years of age. She had a positive outlook and was a loving, peaceful, contented lady because she obtained genuine joy and happiness from giving and sharing. Entertaining and extending hospitality to family, friends and people brought her immense delight. She will be remembered for her “one of a kind Peas Soup and Dumplings and generous helpings and servings of food”. She believed you should always have another spoonful more “because you better eat while you can, cause when you are sick you can’t eat”. How can we ever forget the bags of treats she would bring home (chicken and fries, burgers, apple and lemon meringue pies and brownies). She delighted in treating her friends to things she knew they liked or felt they would enjoy. At Christmas time she ordered fruitcake even though she did not eat it. She just had to get one for her dearest friend and her family to enjoy. Who is going to take on the task she and her departed sister Pernell so ably performed making Bahamian delights of bennie and coconut cakes for family and friends to enjoy during the holiday season. Veronica was a gift connoisseur! She had a knack for choosing that special item to give to others. Veronica possessed a pure heart whose value exceeds the finest of gold!

Other fine attributes of Veronica was her love for nature, gardening and order. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed planting flowers, fruit trees, ground crops and vegetables. In her unique kindness and fashion she readily shared her harvest with family, friends, neighbors or someone in need. Her yard and home was always immaculate and well kept. Although modest she had a fine legacy of dressing well and carried herself gracefully and regal like the queen of hearts that she was.

In the early part of this year, Veronica’s cheerful disposition appeared to lose some of its sparkle. Primarily it was felt that she was affected by the declining health and passing of her sister Pernell. In April, she began to experience discomfort and pains and subsequently sought medical attention to address these concerns. Investigations revealed that our dear Veronica was terminally ill with inoperable metastatic pancreatic cancer. She indicated to her family that she had placed her trust in God and just wanted to remain in the comfort of her home for the remaining time she would be allowed, where her family and dear friends could visit with her. Her relatives readily traveled from abroad to grant her wish to see and spend time with her.

On Sunday May 22nd, 2022 Veronica’s health deteriorated to the point where she had to be transported to hospital via ambulance. In the following days she maintained her courage and confidence in her God, praying and asking family members to read favorite passages for her from the Bible. On Tuesday May 31st, 2022 family members were apprised during their visitation by her doctors that she was very ill. Her immediate family members gathered at the hospital to be of support. In the final moments of her life she requested the song “Smile A While and Give Your Face a Rest” and that Psalms 37 and Psalms 46 be read for her. Amidst prayers with her daughter, sister Tusie and some of her nieces she was given the assurance of her being loved to which she was able to indicate that she understood and loved them also. At 10 pm family members were advised they had to leave the hospital as it was beyond the visiting hours. Shortly after the family’s departure, Peggy received a call at home from the hospital informing that her dear mother Veronica passed away at 10:42 pm.

Gone but never to be forgotten!

Left to cherish her loving and wonderful memories are:

Daughter: Peggy Lavern Ferguson-Murray

Grand-daughter: Dr. Teoria Murray

Sister: Tusie Hanna

Brothers: Roland, Humphrey and Rodney Brown

Sisters-In-Law: Hermia, Shirley and Cecile Brown

Son-In-Law: Thaddeus Murray

Nephews: Vincent (Evelyn), Adrian, Terrance and Lamarque (Andrea) Brown, Charles and Lynden King, Vernon “Dale”, Gregory (Petula) and Omar (Tamara) Edwards, Fredrick Brown, Miguel and Matthew Brown, Angelo Strachan and James Kerr and their families

Nieces: Theresa Sturrup, Patricia (Obie) Burke, ValerieElaine (Marcian) Mortimer, Alisa (Calvin) Mingo, Dellerese Adderley, Anita James, Jennifer Brown-Foster, Brenda, Judy, Christine and Denise Brown, Ilka “Yvette” (Edward) Lockhart, Charlene (Edison) Rodgers), Jeroma (Hubert) Rolle, Angela, Letitia “Vashti” and Myra Brown, Fifica (Kevin) Dean, Fertina (Mark) Turnquest, Charmaine (Cliff) Bootle, Vonchelle Cooper, Lavand, Melissa, Ava and Ronique Brown, Deborah Kerr and Audra Strachan and their families

Other relatives and friends including: Winifred Bannister, Eliza Brown, Sada (Samuel) Miller, Willisy ‘Piper’ and

Montgomery Brown, Sheila Gordon, Louise Beecham, Janet Brown and their families, Reeves Stubbs, Helen Thurston and family, Retired Justice Joseph Strachan and family, Marie and Patrick Thompson and family, Deborah Carey and family, Children of the late Joe Brown and family, Children of the late Allowie McCoy, Magdalene Rolle, Boaz Brown and Cesslyn Seymour, Children of the late Fred Brown and Maud King, Children of the late Haldane, Wilson, Frankie and Carrie Stubbs, Agnes Hepburn and family, Chidren of the late Vernal, Roy, Ralph Brown and Vernita Bethel, Children of the late Carl and Vera Strachan, Children of the late James Campbell, Brown and Dorsette Families (Gaitors - Cat Island), Moncur, King and Seymour Families - (Knowles, Cat Island), McDonald Family(Bennetts Harbour - Cat Island), Cynthia and Althea Poiter, Poitier Family - (Stevenson Cat Island), Luther Humes and family, Vernice Paul, Francita Seymour and Genova Florvil and their families, Nathalee Dorsette and family, Sybil, Ida, Vernita, Paul Hepburn and their families, Violet Delancey, Ruthmae, Freda, Nora Newbold and their families, Newton McDonald and family, Oscar Kerr and family, Children of the late Garnet Hepburn, Varry Ramsey and famiy (Cove - Cat Island), Delano Meadows, Monica Fox, Nan Bootle and family, Pastor Leslie and Mrs. Wealthy McMillan and Famiy, Pastor Leonardo Rahming and Family, Pastor Wendell and Mrs. Althea McMillan and family, Cyril and Rose McMillan and family, Cyril and Eloise Johnson and Family, Gloria Brown and family, Ronnie Miller (Prayer Partner), Edith Roach and family, Diane Brooks and family, Janice Zonicle and family, Verna Deveaux, Brenda Kerr-Henfield, Gloria Jennings, Samantha Antonio, Gloria and Tamara Young and family, Adderley Family, Tammice Stubbs, Gia Burrows and family, Georvette Rahming and family, Dr Raquell Ennis and Mrs. Patricial Ennis, Icelyn Hield-Rolle Carineka Rolle and Family, Agnes Wilson, Roger and Cassandra Forbes and family, Elva Coakley, Ella Collie, Averil Sullivan and Family, Genevieve Knowles, Janet Johnson, Ingrid Hall, Glenlee Strachan and family, Karen Rahming and family, Stephen and Charmaine Culmer and family, Children of the late Percy and Roceta Miller, Family of the late Haynes & Patricia Dorsette, Family of the late Agnes Moxey, Ruby Major and Family, Ena Cooper and family, Children of the late George and Carnetta Humes, Children of the late Randolph and Ivy Humes, Bertram Bowe and Family, Woods Family, Scavella Family, Pickering Family, Moss Family, Jetta and family, Children of the late Miriam Rolle, Michael Hepburn and family, Michael Hepurn and Company, Paul Hepburn and family, Leo Hepburn and family, Lenora Symonette and family, Carolyn (Earl) Seymour & family, Brenda Scott & family, Brendon Foulkes, Dianne McKenzie & Family, Lillian Rolle & family, Lernice Samuels, Carolyn Lightbourn, Kenny & Princess Fox, Beatrice Hendfield & family, Rashelle Johnson & family, Aisha Clarke & Family, Alma Cox & Family, Princess Edwards & Family, Judy Fox & Family, Dale Rolle, Ettamae McKenzie, Mellie Price, Cindyann & Cass Rolle, Joann Francis and Family, Florose Jenoure and Family, Michael & Ionie Diggiss, MP for Garden Hills Mario Bowleg, Entire Community of Hibiscus Lane (Soldier Road), Former Staff of the Nassau Beach Hotel, Grants Town Seventh-Day Adventist Family, Message of Hope Church Family, Dr. Floyd Carter, Dr. Arianna Neilly, Dr. Nicolas Deal-Laroda, Dr. Harold Munnings, Staff of Princess Margaret Emergency Room, Trauma Room, Female Medical and Private Surgical Wards.

Sincerest apologies to any whom we may have inadvertently omitted to name.

ORDER OF

Funeral SERVICE

MODERATOR:....................................................................................................................... Elder Michael McCoy

ENTRANCE OF FAMILY

PROCESSIONAL SONG ........................................................................................... “Jesus Promised Me A Place”

OPENING REMARKS: ................................................................................................... Pastor Leonardo Rahming

CONGREGATION HYMN: ...................................................................................................... “For All The Saints”

For all The Saints, who from their labors rest, And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Steals on the ear the distant triumph-song Thy name O Jesus be forever blest And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong, Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia

Thou was their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold, Thou, Lord their Captain in the well-fought fight; Fight as the Saints who nobly fought of old Thou in the darkness drear their one true Light, And win, with them, the victor’s crown of gold Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast Through gates of pearl streams in the countless Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost Alleluia, Alleluia

OPENING PRAYER: .............................................................................................................. Elder Michael McCoy

SCRIPTURE READING: .................................. Psalms 37: 3 -7 ................................ Meghan Bootle (Grandniece)

MUSICAL RENDITION: ............................ “We Shall Behold Him” ...................................... Mrs. Carol Mitchell

REFLECTIONS AND MUSICAL TRIBUTE: ............................................................... Jeroma Brown-Rolle (Niece)

Kristina Burke (Niece)

Fefica Fox-Dean (Niece)

CONGREGATION HYMN .............................................................................................................“And Can It Be”

And can it be that I should gain

He left His father’s throne above An interest in the Saviour’s blood So free, so infinite His grace Died He for me, who caused His pain? Emptied Himself of all but love, For me, who Him to death pursued? And bled for Adam’s helpless race; Amazing love! How can it be Tis mercy all, immense and free That Thou, my God shouldst die for me? For, O my God, it found out me

Tis myst’ry all! The Immortal dies!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay Who can explore His strange design? Fast bound in sin and nature’s night

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

Thine eye diffused a quickening rayTo sound the depths of love divine I woke, the dungeon flamed with light Tis mercy all! Let earth adore My chains fell off, my heart was free Let angel minds inquire no more I rose, went forth and followed Thee

No condemnation now I dread Jesus, with all in Him is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ, my own

SCRIPTURE READING: ..................................... 1 John 14: 1 .................................................. Alisa Mingo (Niece)

MUSICAL TRIBUTE: ............................................................................................. Valerie Elaine Mortimer (Niece)

CONDOLENCES: ............................................. (2 minutes each) ............... Mr. Michael Hepburn (Former Employer) Mrs. Glennlee Strachan (Grants Town SDA Church)

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER: ................................................................................. Pastor Leonardo Rahming

MUSICAL RENDITION: ..................... “I Dream of a City Called Holy” ............................... Mr. Harold Dorsette

HOMILY: .......................................................................................................................... Pastor Leslie V. McMillan

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY: ..................................................................................................... Elder Roger Forbes

RECESSIONAL HYMN: ....................................................................... “May The Peace of The Lord Go With You”

Graveside Service

HYMN: ..................................................................................................................................... “Glad Reunion Day”

There will be a happy meeting in Heaven, I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below Gathered on that blessed hilltop with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day.

A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day

There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.

When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace That will be a glad reunion day.

A glad day, a wonderful day, A glad day, a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.

PRAYER: ..................................................................................................................................... Elder Roger Forbes

SCRIPTURE: .............................................. 1 Corinthians 15:51 - 58 ................................... Elder Michael McCoy

COMMITTAL: ................................................................................................................. Pastor Leonardo Rahming

HYMN: ....................................................................................................................................... “Heaven’s Jubilee”

Some glad morning we shall see, Jesus in the air Coming after you and me, joy is ours to share What rejoicing there will be, when the saints shall rise Headed for that jubilee, yonder in the skies

Oh what singing, oh what shouting On that happy morning when we all shall rise Oh what glory, Hallelujah

When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies

Seems that now I almost see, all the sainted dead Rising for that jubilee, that is just ahead In the twinkling of an eye, changed with them to be All the living saints to fly, to that jubilee.

When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies

When with all that heavenly host, we begin to sing Singing in the Holy Ghost, how the heavens will ring Millions there will join the song, with them we shall be Praising Christ through ages long, heaven’s jubilee.

Oh what singing, oh what shouting

On that happy morning when we all shall rise

Oh what glory, Hallelujah

When we meet our blessed Savior in the skies

Funeral Director’s Remarks ..................................................................... Bethel Brothers Morticians Representative

Remarks ............................................................................................................... Woodlawn Gardens Representative

Hymn:......................................................................................................... “How Cheering Is the Christian’s Hope”

How cheering is the Christian’s hope While toiling here below It buoys us up while passing through This wilderness of woe

A land where sin can never come Temptations ne’er annoy Where happiness will ever dwell And that without alloy

Tribute to My Dearest Mom

Mom was my best friend! My life changed forever at 10:42 p.m. May 31st, 2022 when my most treasured and priceless gift was taken from me. Every night when I retire to bed I pray hoping it is just a dream that the lady who played two roles in my life from birth (mother and father) will reappear and ask me if I had a good night’s rest. My heart aches with pain speaking about her in the past tense. I miss her beautiful smile, daily hugs, most of all the feeling of her firm hands massaging my legs without getting tired at night when I deliberately pretended as if I lost track of time after receiving a half hour massage, saying it had only been 15 minutes because I was enjoying our bonding in a small but very special way. Traveling will never be the same for Teoria and me having

lost our two travel partners who were inseparable, in the space of three (3) months, (Mom and our dearest Aunt Pern, her older sister).

I would do anything to turn back the hand of time to get another day, hug or kiss from her. Mom taught me many life lessons, to be kind and forgiving regardless of the circumstances or situation. I am thankful for all the sacrifices she made for Teoria (her only grandchild) and me. Mom lived the life of a true Christian woman worthy of praise. Mom’s legacy will forever live on in our lives.

Mom’s “One and Only”

Peggy Ferguson-Murray

My Dearest Yam”

How can I ever thank Yam enough for all that she was and all that she gave? Yam and I were more than family, more than one of my very best friends - Yam was part of me! I am who I am largely because of who she was. Her steady love and support, strength of character and generosity are part of the foundation I stand on today. I always knew I had her warm smile to greet me, her strong arms to hug me, her wisdom to counsel me, and her contagious laugh to cheer me. The thought of life without my dear Yam is unbearable, so I won’t say goodbye. I will only say how I am so very much thankful for her example- a life well-lived and poured out for the God she loved so much.

Love granddaughter - Dr. Teoria Murray

My Loving and Dearest Sister Ronnie

Ronnie was a beautiful sister inside and out. I will hold close to me the precious memories we had cooking together and just bonding as sisters. During her illness I had the opportunity to take care of her for a short time during her illness. Ronnie meant so much to me. She was such a special sister who made me laugh and smile. She brought me so much joy and happiness in my life. I will treasure her memories forever. I shall forever love Ronnie, may she rest in peace.

Love sister Tusie “

My Loving and Supportive Sister Ronnie”

I will always treasure the memories of my dear sister Ronnie. She was such a loving, humble and selfless person who willingly gave of herself and means to her family and anyone who showed a need. Ronnie was a pillar of strength in good and bad times. There were no limits to the love and concern shown to me and my family. Ronnie’s passing has left a void in my life and I thank God that he had given us 80 precious years with her.

Brother Roland

“Yams - My Loving Sister”

Veronica, Yams, my loving sister, whom I love and miss so much. Ronnie was my mentor and my heroine. She loved me unconditionally and taught me the importance of honesty and good morals. Ronnie was my inspiration throughout the years. May Yams rest as she awaits her crown. Yams will sleep and live on in my heart forever.

Brother Rodney

“My Big Sister Ronnie”

Veronica (Ronnie) Brown was my big sister from Cat Island who always made me laugh! We often talked of the good life on the island, of the wonderful people we were surrounded by. She was a kind and loving soul, always positive about life. Ronnie was considerate and supportive of everyone. She did not like to be in the spotlight but rather to shine it on the accomplishments of her beloved family. She always kept in touch with us and wanted to know what was going on in Canada. Shirley and I will always cherish her love and support. Oh life, we will miss her!

Brother Humphrey and wife Shirley

TRIBUTE FOR “A Rare and Treasured Gem”

Veronica, a “rare and treasured gem in the Brown family. We first made our acquaintance in 1961. It was Ronnie’s invitation to an outing that included her sister Brenda and one of her brothers that eventually led to my becoming a part of the family. Upon marrying her brother Jerome - my friend became more than a dear sister in law. During the 61 years she was a part of my life I found her to be friendly, kind, peaceful, honest, compassionate, a good listener, confidante and trusted advisor, traveling partner, but most of all a Christian. Ronnie never called me by my name - she always referred to me with affection as “Herms”, a testament to the genuinely loving person she was and the wonderful bond we shared. I will miss our daily phone calls, jokes, secrets and my favorite passenger who always said to me “Herms your time is my time”. By God’s grace and mercy we will meet again.

Sister-In Law Hermia Brown

TRIBUTE TO A LOVING AND CARING AUNT -

Aunt Ronnie”

Aunt Ronnie was the embodiment of what an aunt should be, warm, loving caring, compassionate, giving and forgiving. From early childhood to adulthood, our memories were etched with the happy knowledge that Aunt Ronnie was the bearer of good gifts, the brownies and ice cream to the peas soup and dumpling and her down home vegetable soup. Then there were the other good stuff like clothes and the special items that she just knew the person needed or desired.

While Aunt Ronnie was quiet and unassuming, the attention and love that she gave spoke volumes. Aunt Ronnie was the family historian and she took joy in sharing how various branches of the family were connected to the family tree. Indeed she lived her life for family, and the commitment and dedication that she demonstrated knew no limits. These were seen in the way that she lovingly cared for family members and felt no hardship in putting their interests before her own. She was a constant presence in our lives, and her nieces and nephews found her to be a wise confidant and counselor.

Aunt Ronnie’s love and concern just was not shared with family but with her friends. She possessed a genuine goodness and a heart of gold that shone through her radiant smiles.She would always be remembered as one who had a kind and generous heart who in her own special way demonstrated Christian charity.

Judy, Anita, Vincent, Brenda, Jennifer, Christine, Adrian, Terrence, Denise & Lamarque (Children of Oldest brother Roland Brown

“A One in a Million Gem!”

God-fearing, elegant, beautiful, well-dressed and always on point - in a class all by herself, that’s our aunt Ronnie! A kind, genuine caring and loving aunt with a beautiful smile that lit up the room that’s our Aunt Ronnie. We will miss our annual Christmas family party she organized so well and the delicious vegetarian dishes, macaroni and cheese, salads, and okra soup that she made when requested by her nephew. We had so much food left over that we shared with each other and still had more for days.

Thanks to Aunt Ronnie there were love envelopes for our children returning to University to assist them along with her kind and loving advice to them “keep God in your heart and continue to do your best”. The quiet jokes she told us that made us laugh until we started crying, her pleasant demeanor - that’s our sweet Aunt Ronnie.

The day God beckoned for her to go home, just before she took her last breath, she smiled so beautifully and told us goodbye. We loved Aunt Ronnie so much. She will always have a special place in our hearts. A sweet, beautiful, genuine, humble, happy and the best Aunt one can ever have, that’s our Aunt Ronnie. Rest in Paradise as we will love her always.

Children of her eldest sister Ethelyn M King (Theresa, Patricia, Valerie, Charles, Lynden, Alisa and Dellerese)

“Our Aunt Ronnie”

We have always cherished and treasured the fondest and warmest regards for our dear Aunt Ronniie. She has always been a kind, considerate and caring Christian woman. Our mind goes back many years ago when we lived with Aunt Ronnie. Though the conditions may not have been ideal and the quarters crammed, Aunt Ronnie was always so accommodating. In later years we lived just a stone’s throw from her. Every day we were either at her house or she was at ours. Aunt Ronnie was a great cook and she knew how much I loved Peas Soup and Dumplings so whenever she cooked this, she was sured to prepare a bowl especially for me.

Aunt Ronnie was a woman of God and her love for God was evident in her speech and her interactions with others. She could not help but tell of her love for the lord. She always encouraged us in the faith and was always a source of good counsel. Because she placed her confidence in Jesus and remained steadfast to the very end we know that we will see her again.

Vernon “Dale” and Gregory Edwards (Nephews -Sister Pernell sons)

“In Honor of Our Beloved Aunt Ronnie”

Aunt Ronnie was the sister in the Brown clan that followed our Dad - Jerome “Hezekiah”. The bond they shared was like conjoined twins - and it was only natural for us to develop a unique and special relationship with our Aunt. We always had a joke within our household that “Aunt Ronnie along with Aunt Brenda were “set-ups”. They were the ones who brought our parents into each other’s sphere and hence were responsible in part for our entrance into this world. Aunt Ronnie was always a solid, enduring, positive presence in our lives from our births to the final moments of her life. It is a blessing beyond compare that we were the recipients of her love, laughter, humor, genuine care, concern, generosity and guiding Godly principles. Words are inadequate to express the depth of love, emotions and feelings that dwell within us as we reflect on her life which was an astounding example from a mere mortal. We look forward to her receiving a resurrection from the Grand Creator Jehovah through Jesus Christ where we can have the hope of “everlasting life together forever in Paradise”.

“Heze and Herms” Clan (Fredrick, Angela, Yvette, Charlene, Vashti, Jeroma and Myra)

“Aunt Ronnie”

It’s who we have come to know and regard as the matriarch of mummy’s family. Oh, there is nobody like our Aunt Ronnie. She became an instant parent when our mummy was taken from us. She loved family! Oh… she loved Brenda and her children. So naturally we (Fica, Tina and Charmaine) were adopted immediately by her. There was nothing she did not provide for us that was within her ability. Charmaine was Brenda’s baby and with Aunt Ronnie that privilege of being “the baby” remained. We got many principles of life from Aunt Ronnie. One that resonates is the saying “When you play with a puppy it will lick your mouth”. From this we learned to exercise wisdom in our life decisions. We adored her! We would affectionately smile when we heard her infamous nickname “Tom”. Whenever you needed Aunt Ronnie she would be there. Whenever you called her - she answered. Aunt Ronnie was always supportive, kind and loving. Aunt Ronnie’s smile lit up the room. Forever she will be remembered and we are so thankful for Aunt Ronnie’s choice to love us. We will love and honor her always.

Nieces - Fefica, Fertina & Charmaine (Brenda’s Daughters)

Ava, Miguel, Ronique & Matthew’s Tribute to Aunt Ronnie”

We think of our Aunt Ronnie with love, but that is nothing new.

We think of Aunt Ronnie in silence, but we often speak her name. All we have now are memories of our Aunt’s kind heartedness and graciousness.

Proverbs 31:10 states, “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.” Auntie was a virtuous and righteous woman of God. Her life was an open book, showing everyone the proper way. We love and we miss her. Forever she will live in our hearts

- Children of Brother Rodney

Aunt Ronnie

was as kind and gentle as she was strong. Ever since we were children, she always greeted us with the largest smile on her face when we made our annual summer visits. We remember spending our summers playing with cousin Teoria, and Aunt Ronnie always treating us as if we were her grandchildren. Auntie always made us smile with the wonderful Family stories and her lovingly reminding Tamara of how she looked so much like our grandmother Brenda Fox. We are grateful for her kindness and especially her giving us the biggest HUGS.

“Aunty Ronnie”

We never got a chance to meet our Grammy Brenda Fox, but we know God saw fit to keep Aunt Ronnie here with us as we grew up. She was more than an aunt to us. We always felt like she loved us enough for our Grammy Brenda too. She was our safe haven on this side of heaven. Growing up we always looked forward to going to Nassau to “our Aunty Ronnie and Aunt Peggy” in the summers, Christmas, and holiday breaks. If no one else spoiled us, Aunty Ronnie sure did! Pizza, Wendy’s, Mangos! You name it and she got it. There was nothing Aunty Ronnie would not do to ensure that we were happy and her love for us was always heartfelt. She did not just express her love for us, she went above and beyond to show us what love and family is about. Aunt Ronnie, will always be our reference of a strong, independent, God fearing & loving woman.

We never imagined she would leave us so soon. Meghan would give anything to perm and roller set her hair just one last time. Such fond memories will forever be with us. Thanks is given for the love she showered upon us with unwavering support throughout our lifetime. Until we meet again, sleep on! We love Aunty Ronnie so much!

~ Meghan & Raevyn (Grandnieces)

Pallbearers Honorary Pallbearers

SANCHEZ BROWN ROLAND BROWN

GREGORY EDWARDS, JR HUMPHREY BROWN

OMAR EDWARDS RODNEY BROWN

RAMON EDWARDS DALE EDWARDS

LYNDEN KING, JR

GREGORY EDWARD SR

AVALA LOCKHART CHARLES KING

CERON ROLLE REEVES STUBBS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We, the family of our dearly loved and departed Veronica Brown are humbled and truly touched by the kind expressions and caring acts extended to us in this most difficult period. It is with sincerest gratitude we express appreciation for the phone calls, cards, floral