Family Tributes To My Dear Wife
You are the woman who came into my life capturing my heart and imagination, and making me want to be a better man than I’d ever been before. You are the woman who turned our house into a home and a haven where I can find warmth, comfort, peace, and a kind of love I’ve never known. You are the woman whose gentle goodness softens my rough edges and whose caring encouragement gives me all the support I need. You are the woman who is the heart and soul at the center of my world, my partner, my friend, my reason for living. For Always...Forever...For Life,
To Our Mother
Grateful for the mother you are, we appreciate everything you did for us. Despite not being men of many words, you were able to connect with each of us individually and uniquely. You showed us strength, character, and respect, amongst many other things. Because of you, we are the men we are today.
Torrence
To Our Sister With Love
We sit here and ponder how very much we’d like to talk to you, there are so many things that we didn’t get to say. An angel came and took you by the hand and said your place was ready in heaven and you had to leave us behind and all those you dearly loved. You still had so much to live for and so much more to do, it seems impossible that God You taught us how to believe in ourselves and was taking you. Though your life on Earth is past, never be afraid of who we are. We will continue in Heaven it starts anew. You’ll live for all eternity to exemplify all the good you put into us and will just as God has promised you. not let you down. Your words of wisdom and encouragement will always be remembered. We love you Ken our Dear Sweet Sister...
Jamal & Terrell We Love You,
“The Gaither Girls”
Born May 13, 1970, in Memphis, Tennessee to Henry Lee and Dorothy Hill Gaither, Kenya earned her wings on Friday, March 22, 2019. She showed unusual intelligence at an early age and entered Porter-Leath Headstart at three years old. She attended Carnes Elementary, Humes Junior High, Graceland Middle and graduated from Hillcrest High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Memphis. A devout Christian, she walked humbly with God and fulfilled the biblical mandate with body, heart, mind and spirit. She married her high school sweetheart, Torrence Brown, and together they raised two wonderful sons, Jamal and Terrell. She was a companion of strength, of spirituality, and of genuine love and concern. She was always there both as a friend and a supporter, as a wife and mother and as the keeper of her family home. The achievements of her sons reflect her patience, practicality and perseverance. Kenya taught us graciousness in the face of adversity, and how to stand quietly, but strongly, in the face of the storm. She did big things in a quiet way. Her hands comforted and molded, she inspired selfconfidence, she listened, she taught in an effortless manner and she nurtured the best in others. She simply did things. She raised her family well and led her life with grace and dignity. The qualities that endeared Kenya to her family were what made her special to so many others. She was not only a wonderful wife, mother and family member, she was a person who touched other lives in a positive way. She shared the love
that was in her heart, generously giving of herself and enriching those around her. She embraced her own strength, guided by example and made a difference. The essence of her was goodness: she was a good daughter, a good wife, a good mother, a good grandmother, a good sister, a good aunt, a good niece, a good cousin and a good friend. In all that she did and all that she was, Kenya Brown truly embodied the century old motto: forte et gratum – “strength and grace.” Kenya was predeceased by her parents, Henry Lee and Dorothy Gaither Thomas. She is celebrated by her loving husband, Torrence Brown; her adoring sons, Jamal C. Brown (Jennifer) and Terrell Brown; and her amazing grandson, Jaxson Brown. She also leaves her devoted sisters, Yolanda Rounds, Tamara Taylor (Terrance) and Aisha Gaither; her father and mother-in-love, Claude and Rosalyn Brown, Sr.; her uncles, Charles Austin, Johnny Rogers, Woodrow Gaither, Anthony Payne, Patrick Payne, and Stanley Payne; her aunts, Lillie Thomas, Dr. Marie Milam, Shirley Boyd, Fannie Iola Hooker, Dorothy Taylor, Gwendolyn Mitchell, and Lawanda Miller; and a host of nieces and nephews. Also, left to remember her remarkable spirit are her sister-in-love, Jocelyn Brown; her brothers-in-love, Claude Brown, Jr. and Michael Brown. Her numerous cousins, family members and friends will miss her dearly. Thank you, Lord, for the life and love of Kenya Gaither Brown. She was a blessing to all who were privileged to be part of her ever-expanding world. As we look back on her life, we can celebrate her wonderful spirit and admire all that she accomplished.
The Homegoing Celebration I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 7
(II Timothy 4:7-8, NIV) Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Kenya Gaither-Brown Old & New Testament Scripture Reading . . . . . . .Pastor Joseph Jackson Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Minister Christy Franklin Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Love United Choir Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Vanelder Nichols Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Black Butterfly� . . . . . . . . . . .Deven Boyd Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lelinda Cox Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Love United Choir Reflections (3 minutes, please) Robert Cassidy, Medtronic William Tatum, Coors Brewery Shirley Boyd, Aunt Gwen Mitchell, Aunt Yolanda, Tammy & Aisha, Sisters Video Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Torrence Brown, Husband Sermonic Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First Lady Sharonda K. Mitchell Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jason A. Mitchell Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Kenya Gaither-Brown
We miss you today. We will miss you tomorrow; With tears in our eyes and hearts full of sorrow. We will hold on to memories of the times we had; We’ll grieve for what we’ve lost and be grateful for what we had.
Acknowledgment
The family acknowledges with sincere appreciation the comforting expressions of sympathy that we have received. Your prayers, cards, calls, visits and acts of love and generosity serve as a source of strength for us. Every thoughtful deed has been dear to our hearts. May God return to you in full measure the comfort and care that you have given to us. ~ The Family of Kenya Gaither-Brown ~
Claude Brown, Jr. Jason Griffin
Active Pallbearers
Michael Brown Marlon Mitchell
Marqui Crawford Terrian Taylor
Honorary Pallbearers
Terrance Taylor Shun Winfrey
Deacons of Perfecting Love Community Church Cousins of Kenya Gaither-Brown
Interment
Memorial Park South Woods 5485 Hacks Cross Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Memorial Repast
Perfecting Love Community Church (Immediately Following the Burial)
460 East McLemore Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38106 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, 901-257-9124