Brown Family
Alzheimer is a progressive and degenerative disease which knows no gender, race or creed. In short, it can strike anyone, anywhere and at anytime. Our first encounter with Alzheimer disease was in 1983, when my wife's mother Gladys B. Locke was diagnosed as having a severe form of dementia.
In the early 1980's, little information was available in the areas of treatment, care or general help in the Mobile, Alabama area, except for a handful of medical practitioners and a local Alzheimer support group.
We began to attend support group meetings and were saddened by the possible longevity of the disease and pain we could endure as care givers. Foremost in our thoughts were the unanswered questions about what this incredible, fragile creature would know and understand about what was actually happening to her. Mrs. Locke died in 1993 while in a local nursing home. She outlived her brother Leslie L. Brown, Jr. and her sisters - Helen L. O'Pry and Irma Hamilton. We also provided care giving to them. Upon their deaths and resulting autopsies, we found that they too had the devastating condition that we had come to call Alzheimer disease.
Gladys Locke (Brown) in her teen age years. She was married to Arnold Locke, Sr. Mr. Locke was the consummate sportsman. He would have several radio and television sets on to watch and hear football games (depending on the season). He had a remarkable memory and could quote all the "stats" by player and team. Mr. Locke was attending the ball game in 1961 - between the Yankee's and the Red Sox at Yankee stadium when Roger Maris hit his 61st home run.
Gladys was not only my mother-in-law, but also my friend. She was not only someone with whom I could talk, but also one of those rare individuals we chance upon who actually would listen. If someone was in need of money, Gladys had the remarkable insight to realize the need, and without saying a word she would gladly lend in a way that uniquely allowed the other person to share in the love that flowed freely and knew no end. A cup of chicory coffee and a smile were always available when we dropped by her home. She would without hesitation, empty her cupboards for a person in need. She would freely give her belongings to a family who lacked bare basic essentials, sharing her vision of servitude and caring in the most humble way. A visit to the hospital and help with recuperation would always be provided. Gladys was a true saint and someone who showed others by her actions what being a Christian truly is all about.
A Prayer of Supplication, by Denny Lancaster
Lord guide me on the path of understanding, so that I may know why suffering and pain must be endured. Keep my head and eyes pointed toward those among us who are closely following in your footsteps. Open my heart to those who are in need so that I may truly see their needs. Help me through learning at the feet of those who are older and wiser than myself. Finally Lord, thank you for giving me your unfettered love, even though I do not deserve it.
Helen O'Pry (Brown) when she graduated from Murphy High School. She married Jack O'Pry. They spent most of their time away from Mobile, Alabama, but always kept in touch with the family. They did not have any children and as a result doted upon our children and my wife's brother's children.
Helen, Irma, and Gladys were extremely close in their younger years and as adults. They were also fond of pulling pranks on each other. When they were in their early teens, Irma had developed the typical acne. Helen and Gladys said that they had a remedy and Irma begged for them to help. At Gaffs Dairy they found the remedy which was a fresh "meadow muffin", which they said Irma should apply to her face and let the remedy remain for several hours. Upon returning home from shopping, their mother discovered to her horror the prank which had been played on Irma. Anyone want to guess what happened to Helen and Gladys?
Leslie Leonard Brown, Jr. or Buck as he was called in the Brown family, began his career in the Merchant Marine at the age of fourteen. Buck wanted to follow in his older brother Johnny's footsteps and lied about his age. Both he and Johnny worked for Waterman Steamship Corporation. While berthed in New Orleans, Louisiana, Johnny fell overboard, and drowned. Johnny's death did not dissuade Buck from continuing as a Merchant Marine and he rose to the rank of first mate.
Typical of a seaman, Mr. Brown traveled the world. Each time there was a lay over in Mobile, Alabama, he showered his family with gifts which had been gathered from his trips. In short he spent virtually all of the money which he had earned. Finally, Mrs. Locke persuaded him to send her a portion of his money, which would be applied toward the purchase of a home in which to live when he retired. Uncle Buck lived on Fowl River for fourteen years after his retirement. He loved classical music. When family members paid him a visit, everyone knew not to complain about the loud music; enter into a conversation pertaining to polities or religion; not to ask for more than the usual peanut butter sandwich and glass of milk; or complain that the boat ride was entirely too fast.
Irma Hamilton and her husband Ham, never had the material
possessions that some may acquire, but the kindness and genuine love they bestowed, will long be remembered by the Lancaster family. Ham was a "handy man" by profession and could literally fix
anything. He gave of his time, talent, and meager resources to help neighbors and strangers who were truly in need. Irma excelled in all manner of crafts and crocheting was her
specialty. She taught my wife at an early age her craft.
Our oldest daughter still remembers her sixth birthday when Irma and Ham brought her about fifty balloons. The sounds of laughter still resonate in our neighborhood as Ham blew up the balloons and Melissa would prick them with a pin - both would split their sides with the resounding boom. After several hours of popping all of the balloons, Melissa and Ham went to the store, purchased more balloons and finally had to stop the fun when there was no more daylight.
