Aunt Dean still dancing at 100th birthday bash
(CNS): Wearing a glamorous ivory-pink satin gown, Dean Brown, known by everyone as Aunt Dean, danced her way from the entrance of the Brac's civic centre hall all the way to the head table at her 100 birthday bash on Wednesday. Organised by her granddaughter, Speaker of the House Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, the guest list included five generations of family and numerous friends, including Premier Alden McLaughlin and Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell. One of her two surviving sisters, Theda Bodden, joined her on the head table, together with her two surviving children, Shirleymae Connor and Annalee Ebanks, plus two sons-in-law Reynold Ebanks and Fitz Gayle (husband of Natalie). (Left: Aunt Dean dances with grandson Bunny Watson)
Aunt Dean was led in by gransons Bunny Watson and Barry Ebanks, and she danced her way up the white carpet that had been laid in her honour for the big party bash at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre on Cayman Brac.
At the feast in her honour, the amazingly spry centenarian was entertained by song and dance performances by some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a poem for the occasion by grandchild Susan Watson. But she just couldn't keep still when well-known performer Burman Scott sang a few good soca songs, and was up and dancing again with Bunny Watson and with great-granddaughter Michella Ebanks (right, dancing with Michella, as daughter Shirleymae, grandson Bunny, great-grandson Simon, and great-granddaughters Mikita and Matasha look on).
The church choir from Church of God Holiness in Watering Place sang one of her favourite hyms, "Never grow old", and she quipped to guests that A, G and E are three letters that shouldn't be in the alphabet.
Aunt Dean married Lewin Brown when they were both 17 and they lived in Watering Place throughout their 50 years of marriage until Lewin died in 1983, aged 69. They had six children, 25 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Her younger sister Theda was able to join her for the celebrations. She has another surviving sister, Viola Brown, who was also her sister-in-law, having married Lewin's brother, Lester.
Below: (L-R: Shirleymae Connor, Dean Brown, Annalee Ebanks and Theda Bodden)
Category: Local News
Long live Aunt Dean Brown, such as a precious Cayman Brac Gem!! Its not about color as had has all shades in her beautiful family.
As Aunt Dean would say,"I have only good looking peopl in my family and they love the good Lord."
Happy Birthday to Aunt Dean. Where can we see more pictures of this wonderful celebration.
CNS: Susan Watson has some on her Facebook page. I'd be happy to post or link to other pictures of the event.
Strong,strong old time African Caymanian,not too many remaining today,may almighty God continue to bless her.
Not to nick pick, but why would you say African Caymanian? Please lets not start acting like America, where everyone is characterized by their race or colour skin. We have survived this long knowing Caymanians have always been of various skin tones, and in our own way been united as one on these little Island.
Anyhow just my two cents, Happy Birthday Aunt Dean. Not many of us younger Caymanians may live to see 100, its truly a blessing to know you have.
God bless.
Thanks for you replying to that predudiced poster. Do you know that she has two of her grand parents who was descended from England and Ireland like many other Caymanians. Couldnt you tell by the beautiful features that he has? At such an age and she is still pretty. In fact the entire lot of sibblings were beautiful that is why their off spring is so beautiful and handsome. Just look at Bunny her grand son who is standing by her, dark skin, red hair and green eyes. Could anyone ask for more beauty than that? No wonder Dr Frank wrote what he wrote and then we want to condemn him.
Why was Alden there?
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! To a wonderful woman who enjoyed life to its fullest. Not only did she enjoy partys but she enjoyed her family and also enjoyed cooking. She is known to be one of Cayman Bracs best cooks and not to mention her heavy cakes. Just hope that her three remaining sibblings namely Rita Grant of Montego Bay Jamaica, Viola Brown of Grand Cayman and Theida Bodden of Cayman Brac who is right next to her with producing the most delightful dishes and heavy cakes. Viola who is now 93 years old has been the Business woman of the family and is known for being the developer of beautiful homes and apartments until just recent years
Ther was another side to Aunt Dean that many of us can still remember and that when she and her father at chrismas time would push her brother in the ring and she was the refiree for the fight which was alway won by her brother. She was as strong as any man.
A great woman, and well loved by all. May you live to see many more Birthdays.
CNS ,there seems to be an error in the math in paragraph 5.If Aunt Dean is 100 years old ,then she was born in 1914. If they were both 17 when they married,that would have been in 1931,and if they were married for 50 years when Mr Brown died the year would have been 1981 and not 1983 as stated.(Perhaps they had been married 52 years instead.)
CNS: Yes, there was a maths error – "Papa Lewin" was 69 when he died. It's been corrected. Thanks.