Obituary of Rowena Brown

Rowena Brown was welcomed by the angels on Sunday morning April 17,2016. Dignified, elegant, graceful, quiet, observant, these are the characteristics that are spoken repeatedly when people remember Rowena. Beloved by the many people whose lives Rowenatouched even in seemingly small ways, it was the love, and dignity Rowena exuded that gave others strength. In 1932 Rowena was born on the day of her father's birth, May 28 to Alice and Harry Costen in Sunbury North Carolina. Farm, family, and church are the three pillars that nurtured Rowena, influenced her, and became the essence of her life. Rowena was the 8th of ten siblings who grew up in Alice and Harry's home on their family farm. This was the home that Rowena always spoke fondly of, and when she spoke of returning home it was this place to which she referred. Rowena recalled the joy of a house bustling with family and a kitchen buzzing with the preparation of many meals. There were the flowers at the entrance that welcomed visitors to the home. Their church, St. James AME Zion church of Sunbury, was her spiritual center during her years in North Carolina. Rowena graduated from T.S. Cooper High School, in Sunbury, and in 1950 she moved to New York. She often spoke fondly of times spent cooking with Aunt Nora, while living in the Bronx.Rowena worked for many years as a Nursing Assistant. She nurtured many with care and compassion. Her dedication to this work and her keen observation skills were apparent even to the present. She knew exactly what was involved with her current care. Rowena moved to Long Island and in 1954 she joined Bethel AME Church in Copiague, which remained her spiritual home for the rest of her life. Rowena had been a member of the Stewardess Board. Rowena loved the choral hymns, and the liturgical dances. In more recent years, when the senior bible study group was formed, Rowena eagerly joined, picking up this important thread of warmth and fellowship which stretched back to her childhood in North Carolina. The beautiful words of "The Impact of One Life" were shared with us by one of Rowena's church groups. Rowena's life was highlighted by the joy of the birth of her daughter, Tricia Gleaton. She was more than proud of Tricia's accomplishments and the respected woman that Tricia has become and Rowena was happy to share these accomplishments. When Tricia was blessed with her daughter, Morgan Gardener, Morgan became the light of Rowena's life. It was more than thrilling for Rowena to see Morgan minister with the liturgical dances Rowena loved. Morgan had many dance recitals over the years, and Rowena enthusiastically attended them all. Rowena was in her glory spending time with Morgan and cooking for her. It makes perfect sense that breakfast is Morgan's favorite meal. Morgan was blessed to spend her mornings before school with her grandmother and having her breakfast cooked to order daily. Rowena continued to love cooking to the delight of her many family members. This harkens back to the joys of the busy kitchen of her childhood. Rowena also loved gardening and in the spring Rowena's home always had an array of colorful flowers outside welcoming all who entered; this too is reminiscent of her childhood home. Remaining to cherish her memory is her dear sister, Thelma Riddick, Her brother in law Rudolph Riddick, sister in law, Arlene Costen, her loving daughter, Tricia Gleaton, the light of her life, her granddaughter, Morgan Gardener, and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. These are among the many who have felt the ripples of her influence for good and the impact of her life lived for Christ.