/ HISTORY brown reunion
Psalm 133:1 (KJV) “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
The Glorious Brown Family Reunion
Theme 2026: From Red Clay Dirt Roads of Southwest Georgia to the Salty Sandy Beaches of Atlantic Beach, Florida
The story of the Brown Family Reunion started many years ago in Southwest Georgia at Grandmother Martha Brown’s house, which Granddaddy Arthur Brown Sr built and paid for along with more than 214 acres of land, and farmed together around 1927, about a half mile down a red dirt road off Highway 256 near what is now Melton Road. There was only one little hill on that road, but once you made it over that hill and saw the yard, you knew you had arrived where the Browns were gathered—and where something funny was already going on.
Those early reunions were simple, but they were lively enough to wake the whole county. The grills would already be smoking before the first cousin even parked. Sometimes there was goat on the grill and plenty of other meats cooking slowly while the smell floated across the yard and pulled folks straight to the food line before anybody even said grace.
The tables were covered with everything Southwest Georgia could cook: ribs, goat, baked chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, country-fried chicken, fresh fried fish, cakes, pies, and enough assortments of other down-home good cookings to make you loosen your belt before you even sat down. Nearby sat a big wash tub filled with ice and canned sodas—but everybody knew not everything being sipped that day came out of that tub.
Now the children ran around the yard like they owned the place, chasing each other, climbing trees, and getting told every ten minutes, “Don’t you tear up your good clothes!” Meanwhile, the elders were sitting in folding chairs under the trees telling stories that had already been told for twenty years—but somehow every year the fish got bigger, the football runs got longer, and somebody always remembered something that nobody else quite remembered the same way.
And then there were those “mystery walks” behind Grandma’s house. Every so often, a few uncles and cousins would wander off, as if to inspect the fence line. Next thing you know, they were standing under the chinaberry tree or the big oak tree with brown paper bags and coolers open on the back of trucks' beds and in open car trunks. When they came back to the yard, their smiles were a little wider and their stories got twice as funny and three times as loud.
But through all the laughter, those gatherings were full of love. It wasn’t fancy—just family, fellowship, and the kind of memories that stay with you your whole life.
After a several-year pause, the reunion returned strong in the late 1970s,when our cousin Vashti hosted a gathering in Alapaha, Georgia. From there the Brown reunion started traveling like a family revival tour. Over the years the Browns gathered in places like Detroit, MI; Richmond, VA; Washington D.C.; Nashville, TN; Albany, GA Sylvester, GA; Fort Worth, TX; and Atlanta, GA. —proving that no matter where you go, a Brown reunion will find a way to bring good food, loud laughter, and somebody arguing about who makes the best potato salad.
Along the way ,we also remember the loved ones who helped build this family legacy. Many of them are now resting in glory, but their spirit shows up every time the Browns gather—especially when someone tells one of their old stories or repeats one of their famous sayings.
And now the journey continues. This year the Brown family gathers in Atlantic Beach in (Jacksonville), Florida, moving from those old red clay dirt roads to the salty sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
From the Brown Family Reunion President!
A Warm Brown Family Welcome
Greetings my Brothers and Sisters and everyone in the Brown Family Reunion Team! Your President—elected by you—is reaching out with love, energy, and a little country charm. My schedule has been so jam-packed lately that I had to cancel about fifty appointments—and I still have thirty more to go. Not to mention the numerous calls awaiting to be answered or returned. Believe it or not, some of those calls were bill collectors ringing up numbers that sounded mighty familiar. So, if your phone rings later today… don’t say I didn’t warn you! But today, we’re not talking bills or stress. We’re celebrating family!
Stepping Into the Future!
This year, the Browns are embracing innovation with our brand-new Brown Family Reunion website. It’s your one-stop hub for the reunion schedule, shirts, nearby hotels, Airbnbs, directions, announcements—everything you need so nobody ends up wandering around Atlantic Beach looking for the fish fry.The site’s secure, safe, and protected. Plus, the Browns have locked down the domain for the next three years before renewing—meaning we’re not just catching fish… we’re catching up with technology!
From Red Dirt Roads to Sandy Beaches!
Some of you told me, “Sam, this reunion info should’ve been out sooner.” And you were right! But honestly, I didn’t want all the pressure on myself. Sometimes it’s better to share the load—and try something new.
So here we go—like Willie Nelson sings—on the road again! From the red clay dirt roads of Sylvester, Georgia—the Peanut Capital of the World—to the beautiful sandy beaches of Atlantic Beach, Florida.
And we came not just for sunshine, but for laughter, fellowship, delicious food, cold drinks, and fish stories that get bigger each year! You know how it is—somebody catches a fish this big, and by the time it reaches Aunt Lula Mae, it’s a whale from the Atlantic Ocean!
Honoring Juneteenth!
This reunion falls during Juneteenth week—June 18 to June 21. That celebration reminds us of freedom, perseverance, faith, and the strength of families who keep pushing forward no matter what.
And honestly, that’s a story that sounds just like The Browns.
From the farms of Southwest Georgia…
to classrooms…
to Navy and military service…
to businesses, churches, and communities across this country…
The Browns have always known how to keep moving forward!
Special Recognition!
Before we go any further, let’s give a hearty shout-out to those who made this reunion possible.
A big thank you to Dr. Joylene Hall. Her technical skills, patience, and love for people helped design and organize our digital system—bringing the Browns into the modern age!
Dr. Hall, on behalf of everyone in the Brown family—thank you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you!
We also want to recognize Cuz Norbert Ford, our Treasurer this year, for his support in testing the website and making sure it’s user-friendly for everyone—young and old.
Family helping family—that’s the Brown way!
Life hasn’t been easy lately. Some loved ones have moved on to glory, prices keep rising, and many of us feel stretched thin.
Through It All… We Are Still Here!
Standing tall.
Loving fiercely.
Gathering strong.
And that’s worth celebrating!
The Brown Legacy Continues!
From the red clay dirt roads of Sylvester to the salty ocean breezes of Atlantic Beach, our family story keeps moving forward. Get ready for a weekend packed with laughter, storytelling, hugs from cousins you haven’t seen in years, and memories to last a lifetime! Because a family that remembers where it came from will always know where it’s going. And here’s the truth—when the Browns get together… something incredible is always about to happen!
You can count on that!
Appreciate your continual support!
With love and family pride,
Cuz Sam Royster
/ SCHEDULE
jUNE 2026
THURSDAY
18th
19th
20th
21st
THURSDAY, JUNE 18 — “WELCOME HOME NIGHT”
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
VOO-SWAR LOUNGE
51 Robert Street, Atlantic Beach, FL
MEET & GREET – Opening Night
MENU – Seafood Southern Style
A relaxed evening of hugs, laughter, fellowship, and the official kickoff to the weekend.
Attire: Juneteenth
FRIDAY
A complimentary buffet breakfast available at the hotel restaurant (Holiday Inn Express)
10:00 AM-4:000 P.M.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19 — BROWN FAMILY FUN DAY AT HANNA PARK- "BROWN FAMILY BBQ"
Hanna Park – Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, FL.
Activities for ALL AGES
Hanna Park becomes our family playground — fun for ages 6 to 96.
7:00 P.M. -10:00 P.M.
FRIDAY EVENING — MEMORY NIGHT OR BEACH NIGHT
OPTION 1 – Return to VOO-SWAR
OPTION 2 – Explore the Beaches- Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville, FL. Ponte Vedra Beach
Be careful — fun is easy to find, and trouble can be even easier.
SATURDAY
t
FRIDAY Attire: Wear Family Reunion BEIGE T-shirt with Jeans/Slacks/Dress Shirts/Skirts/Shorts, etc.
A complimentary buffet breakfast available at the hotel restaurant (Holiday Inn Express)
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
ALL DAY Activities Atlantic/Jax Beach- Explore on Your Own- Jacksonville Beach, Zoo, St. John Shops Town Center
6:00 p.m..12:00 a.m.
BROWN FAMILY DINNER Brown Family Soiree "From Red Clay Dirt Roads to Sandy Beaches" (TRIBUTE AND GIFTS)
Fleet Reserve 290 390 Mayport Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL32233
(904) 246-6855
FRIDAY Attire: Wear Family Reunion GREEN T-shirt with Jeans/Slacks/Dress Shirts/Skirts/Shorts, etc.
SUNDAY
A complimentary buffet breakfast available at the hotel restaurant (Holiday Inn Express)
9am-1p.m.
Family Church Fellowship, Prayer & Farewell
Morning Service
10:00 a.m.
Abyssinia Baptist Church
10325 Interstate Drive off Dunn Avenue • Jacksonville, FL. 32218
A thanksgiving service to honor our heritage, our blessings, and our family unity.
FINAL FAREWELL
As we depart, we say:
“See you later, alligator!”
because family never truly separates —
we just meet again.
Attire: Juneteenth
Dinner Dutch Treat
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL FATHERS!
BROWN FAMILY REUNION Tribute
In Loving Memory of Brown Family Members
"Forever Rooted- Forever Remembered"
HOTELs
Please see the Hotels below for reservations:
Candlewood Suites Mayport
2073 Mayport Rd Jacksonville Fl 32233
Current Group Rate is for $149/night (plus taxes)
A Full Kitchen
CLICK THIS LINK TO BOOK A ROOM
Booking: 904-242-5422
Don't Forget to Book Your Room Soon
Last day to book with our negotiated rates is:
June 4, 2026
Please see the Hotels below for reservations:
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
POC: Reesa Payne
2040 Mayport Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Booking:
M:832-297--0050
T:904-+435-0700
A complimentary buffet breakfast
CLICK THIS LINK TO BOOK A ROOM
Group CODE: BFR
Don't Forget to Book Your Room Soon
Last day to book with our negotiated rates is:
May 22, 2026
Please see the Hotels below for reservations:
Navy Lodge
Mayport Naval Station
1980 Baltimore Street
Mayport, FL. 32228
Booking (904) 247-3964
Free Breakfast
CLICK THIS LINK TO BOOK A ROOM
Don't Forget to Book Your Room Soon
Last day to book with our negotiated rates is:
June 4, 2026
We have researched
Air B&B
Beach Rentals
CLICK THIS LINK TO BOOK A ROOM
CLICK THIS LINK TO BOOK A ROOM
Don't Forget to Book Your Rental House Soon
Last day to book
June 4, 2026
Garage Parking for a fee or there is limited street parking
AIR B&B
/ CONTACTS
HOST and committee
Samuel Royster, President
904-444-3079
Timothy Alford, Vice President
**Norbert Ford, Treasurer
(**All Registration and T-shirts fees are recorded and accounted for by Norbert Ford)
Sherman Williams
Designer and Arts
Tuwonda Williams