Gingerland- Nevis-Distinguished past Educator on Nevis, Mrs. Shirley Browne CSM, of Brown Hill, celebrated her 80th birthday in style, surrounded by a fair-sized gathering of family members and friends, on the afternoon of Saturday 27th August.
A thanksgiving service was held at the Gingerland Seventh Day Adventist Church, which was chaired by Vernice Blackett and Curtis Morton Sr.
The service included a lively song service; an opening prayer by Elder Franklyn Browne and an official welcome by her daughter, Shirna Browne.
Other items included congregational hymns, a wonderful selection by the famous CLARIONS, an acrostic poem by some children and her granddaughter, Augerae Browne, serenaded her on the violin, much to the approval of her tutors, who were present, Mr. And Mrs. Rohan Claxton.
A pointed sermonette was delivered by Pastor Delroy Josiah who focused on the importance of thanksgiving.
A tribute came from Ambassador/High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada, Panama and Mexico, Ms. Sherry Tross-a past student of Mrs. Browne, who sent her tribute via video stream.
There were also songs by Eugene Hendrickson, Chantel Payne, Tessa Nicholas and Shirna Browne and a tribute by Mrs. Marjorie Brandy, followed by a poem presented by Mrs. Jessica Liburd.
There was also an open microphone session for other tributes.
A special prayer and blessing was offered on behalf of the celebrant, by the President of the South Leeward Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Carson Greene.
A much anticipated moment came when the celebrant was offered the opportunity to address the gathering.
She gave thanks to God for a life well lived and noted that on a few occasions, she narrowly escaped death, but God protected her.
She also thanked her many past students, former teacher colleagues, family members and friends, who all helped to shape her life and she pledged to continue to serve God and humanity for as long as she lives.
Among the many family members present, was Mr. Vaughn Walters of Nevis pages, who pointed out that he is the nephew of the celebrant but that she raised him like her own son.