Olga Leonie James Brown was born on March 3, 1935, the only daughter and second child of Carmi and Mable James of Market Street, New Providence, Bahamas. She became the apple of her father's eye, and later the treasure of her four brothers.



An avid learner, Olga received her education at Smith's School and The Government High School, where she excelled in her studies. She embraced all the scholastic opportunities available, and was intellectually prepared for a life of quality service in the private and public sectors.



After her initial employment at Scotia Bank, Olga began her career in the Bahamas Civil Service. Her tenure in the public service allowed her to work at the Civil Aviation, Town Planning, and later the Ministry of Health, where she spent most of her years. She ended her career at the Office of the Prime Minister in 1995. Mrs. Olga Brown was described as a "consummate professional". She was so reliable and efficient that Ministers of Health called on and recommended her personally to ensure that certain tasks were completed promptly and excellently. This professionalism extended to her wardrobe. She never left home without immaculate make-up, and one would have to wait "forever" to see her in the same outfit twice.



As a member of the Human Resource Department, she encountered persons from all walks of life. Being a firm believer in education, and passionate about assisting those around her, she encouraged new employees, regardless of their position, to continue to pursue their education so that they could improve their chances of upward mobility. There are many persons today in the public service who rose from entry-level positions to senior managers, and would attribute their success to the training and encouragement of Olga Brown.



Olga was also adept with domestic responsibilities as well. This proved beneficial since she had to assume the responsibilities of caring for the household at a very young age when her mother temporarily lost her eyesight for almost four years. Olga cooked, ironed, and performed other vital household chores, literally becoming the eyes and hands of her mother.



On November 5, 1955, Olga married Spurgeon Brown, and this union produced five children: Ollimae Tynes, S. Anthony Brown, Raymond Brown, Terentia Braynen, and Allison Levarity. Family was her number one priority and her lifelong commitment. She sacrificed to ensure that her children were cared for, and when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she doted on them as well. Olga had a strong family life, and family prayers and dinners were the norm in her household. Her children were trained in Christian principles, and for them, regular Sunday School attendance was mandatory. She taught her children to pray. Each night, before retiring to bed, she would ask each of them if they had said their prayers. If they hadn't, she made them get out of bed and kneel to pray. The education of her children was also of great importance, and she was insistent that they receive a sound education. She sent them to elite boarding schools in Jamaica, where they all benefitted from the strong educational programmes offered.



Although Olga's nuclear family demanded much of her time, she never forgot her parents. Each day before heading home she would stop at her parents' house to ensure they had everything they needed. When her mother could no longer care for herself, Olga assumed that responsibility.



Olga was loyal to her friends; she considered and treated them like family. She had a small circle with whom she enjoyed special lunches, dancing, and traveling. They also joined her on family vacations and cruises.



Olga perfected the art of cooking, having started at an early age. Her children recall being awakened on Saturday mornings to the aroma of fried or stewed fish. She also became well-known in family and community circles for her scrumptious macaroni and cheese, spicy potato salad and fried plantains. Whenever there was a family function, family members would specifically request her macaroni. In fact, her daughters are still trying to master and duplicate her infamous macaroni recipe. Olga's community efforts led her to volunteer her services with Let's Read Bahamas. Her passion for education and seeing others improve themselves led her to use much of her free time to ensure that persons were able to read.



Olga not only taught her children to pray, but she also developed the discipline of daily communion and conversation with God. As she trained her children to do, she knelt down each night to pray. On September 10, 2014, after her final conversation with God, Olga quietly slipped away, while still in the kneeling position of prayer. Her family members are comforted in knowing that she transitioned into the arms of her Heavenly Father.



May her soul rest in peace