Brown marks 100th birthday

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Charles Brown marks the occasion of his 100th birthday at a celebration dinner given June 2 at Vervilla Community Center. The centenarian was born June 4, 1902.

Over 200 friends and relatives marked the occasion of Charles Brown’s 100 birthday as they joined him for a covered dish dinner June 2 at Vervilla Community Center. Numerous other well-wishers arrived later in the afternoon to congratulate the centenarian.

Brown was born June 4, 1902 in Ladonia, Texas. Later that year, his family came back to Tennessee, settling near Tullahoma, then later relocating at the Mabry place in Viola. His Grandmother Mabry was a sister to William Biles, well-known as the namesake for an area elementary school.

In an earlier interview, Brown recalled going to the 1911 fair, like any other small-town fair except for a special feature – the Wright Brothers were giving an exhibition to show their flying machine.

He and his wife, Jessie Stubblefield Brown, had two children, Charles Brown Jr. and Mary Ann Krickle, with three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Brown was a farmer, well-known for trading horses and mules. Up until last year, at age 99, he was still driving his automobile and even last season drove the tractor to rake hay.

Hostesses for the birthday celebration were Brown’s daughter, his granddaughter Martha Gibbs, Bonnie Krickle and Linda Nunley.

A patriotic theme was chosen to decorate the spacious party room. Three floral bouquets of red carnations and daisies graced the tables along with small American flags. While partaking of the bountiful meal, guests were seated at long banquet tables covered in white.

The sheet cake iced in white was outlined with miniature flags and lettered with a birthday greeting.

An array of pictures displayed on the window sills and on a display table were of special interest.

Brown was recipient of a multitude of greeting cards and letters, including a congratulatory card from President George W. Bush and a letter from U.S. Representative Van Hilleary.

With an open invitation to all, friends and family members came from the Carolinas, Florida and various points in Tennessee to visit with the guest of honor.