Dr. Deborah Thigpen
Gadsden County News Service
Warm colors in balloons, T-shirts, cakes and decorations filled venues across Gadsden County as descendants gathered for the Catherine and Silas Brown Family Reunion. Centered on the theme “Cultivating Our Family Roots,” the family returned home to Quincy, Friendship and Sawdust, where their story first began.
Members of the family traveled from across the country to attend the Oct. 2–4 weekend celebration. According to original committee member Margaret Brown, the very first family reunion in 1990 was simply an outdoor cookout at Lake Talquinbecause they had nowhere else to go. From those humble beginnings, the event grew and was hosted in various cities across the state before taking a hiatus.
Recognizing the positive economic impact family reunions bring to local communities, the Browns made it a point to bring the celebration back home to Gadsden County, where their roots run deep.
The festivities kicked off Friday evening with a traditional fish fry hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brown Jr. at their home. More than 25 cousins celebrating October birthdays were serenaded with an upbeat rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and family members spent the evening dancing, catching up and meeting relatives for the first time.
On Saturday, family members gathered at Gretna Elementary School for food, fun and games. Relatives proudly wore color-coordinated T-shirts representing their distinct family branches—including orange, green, yellow, purple and brown. The branches extending from the roots of Catherine and Silas Brown include the Gainous, Thigpen, Ferguson and Dickens families, among others that continue to grow.
The three-day weekend left a lasting impression on family members near and far. Kenya Moore, who traveled from New York, shared that she enjoyed all three days of festivities. Denise Brown of Gainesville added that she loved everything about the family reunion, saying, “The love shown was insurmountable.”
Krista Reynolds echoed those feelings, sharing that she enjoyed everything from the family and food to the Sunday service. Melvin Mitchell and Deacon Shelly Brown also noted that they enjoyed every aspect of the reunion weekend.
The reunion concluded Sunday with an uplifting worship service at Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Evangelist Juanita Thigpen opened the service with a warm welcome, followed by Deacon Charles Brown Jr., who offered a prayer of thanksgiving, love and safe travels for returning out-of-town guests.
The Rev. Terrence D. Milton delivered a message from Colossians 1:15–20 titled “Jesus Is Still The Center,” which resonated with all in attendance. Musical highlights included soulful solo performances by Karla Brown and LaTrendaGainous Carroll, moving the joyous crowd.
It was a memorable weekend filled with love, heritage and deep family pride for the descendants of Catherine and Silas Brown. The 2026 reunion committee members who helped bring the event to life included Karla Brown, LaTrenda Gainous-Carroll, Caroline McKinnon, Kim Neal, Yolanda Robinson and Juanita Thigpen.
