Mary Viola Brown celebrated turning 103 years old this week and has credited “serving God and being good” as her secret to a long and happy life.
Brown, known to many as Ms. Vi, marked her incredible 103rd birthday with two celebrations — the first was held on Sunday, 23 Feb., with family attending service at Red Bay Church of God (Holiness), followed by a family lunch at her daughter Debra Parson’s home. Brown was then treated to a second celebration on her actual birthday, 25 Feb., with family and a visit by the premier.
“I do enjoy the celebrations each year,” Brown told the Cayman Compass.
Born in Watering Place, Cayman Brac on 25 Feb. 1922, Brown was one of 11 children. In her younger years, her parent’s owned a grocery store in Watering Place, and she assisted them with tending to the customers of the store.
“Life was good growing up in Cayman Brac,” Brown said.
She was a seamstress, daycare owner, real estate owner, agent and property manager. She retired at 95 years old from her last business.
Brown’s granddaughter Gina Lawrence told the Compass, “She was at one point the only seamstress on Cayman Brac, and the whole island depended on her to sew their clothes. She was in high demand and never turned anyone away. She sewed day and night to ensure the people of Cayman Brac had clothes to wear.”
Lawrence added, “She enjoyed sewing for others. She had a heart for serving others and helping those in need. That fulfilled her. She used to sew as a channel to help the whole community. That made her happy.”
This year for Heroes Day, Brown received the ‘Innovators of Impact’ recognition, given to community leaders who embraced transformation and growth.
Lawerence said, “We believed she would make it to 103 and beyond as she takes exquisite care of herself and has a strong family support unit that continues taking great care of her.”
Today, Brown boasts five children, 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Lawerence said her grandmother would always advise, “Serve the Lord, be good, and see that you go to Sunday school and church every Sunday. She would encourage her family to put God first, get a great education, marry well, get your own house and land, have children.”
When asked if she thought she would ever make it to 103, Brown said, “I’m not 103, who told you that?! You think a 103-year-old woman could do what I can do? They must have made a mistake; I’m 55 years old!”
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