Favorite Things
Whether she’s hemming a dress, patching some pants, or threading that old Singer machine, Nana’s been doing thisneedle-and-thread craft like a pro for decades.
What is sewing
Before she became a Brown, Nana carried this family name.
What is Jenkins?
Despite being a staple at family gatherings, this creamy Southern dessert — known for its layers of vanilla wafers and fruit — was never made by Nana, but by the man who once stood quietly beside her in the kitchen.
What is banana pudding?
You can find Nana serving and giving God praise on the front row at this church
What is Moncks Corner Baptist Church?
You’re cruisin’ I-95, minding your business, when suddenly—BAM! A million billboards, a giant sombrero, and a place that’s half tourist trap, half fever dream. Where are you?
What is South of the Border
Nana enjoys this game of chance where players mark numbers on cards, hoping to complete a winning pattern before anyone else.
What is Bingo?
What is Allen?
Thanksgiving wouldn't be thanksgiving without Nana making her signature dish
What is dressing (stuffing)?
The church Nana was brought up in...
What is Grace Episcopal?
This is the number of brothers Nana had growing up — also the number of grace
What is 5?
Three times weekly, Nana commits to this place where effort meets routine — a modern-day arena for strength and stamina.
What is the gym?
Because Nana loved watching her grandkids and cared like no other, the family affectionately named her this — a playful twist on childcare.
Growing up, Nana perfected this flaky, buttery staple of Southern breakfasts, often enjoyed fresh from the oven with a pat of melting butter.
What are homemade biscuits?
For many years, Nana has faithfully served her church in this honored role, known for leadership, support, and devotion.
What is a deaconess?
Nana hit the books at business school in this Northeastern state, trading sweet tea for study halls—at least for a little while.
What is New Jersey?
Nana’s favorite candy bar featured coconut, a touch of crunch, and was often overshadowed by its nut-free sibling.
What is Almond Joy?
Before breakfast, church, or anything else, Nana and Papa began every Sunday with this quiet but powerful tradition.
What is prayer
With cherries on top (or should we say bottom?), this sweet Southern classic flips your world—and your cake pan—upside down.
What is pineapple upside-down cake?
Nana often sings this song at church and Thanksgiving, which includes the heartfelt line, “When I was sick and couldn't get well, you healed my body now I can tell.”
What is Lord I Thank You?
This lucky guy was Nana's prom date — and shares his name with one of the main characters from Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Who is Charles
Before store-bought spreads took over, Nana spent hours in the kitchen perfecting this age-old craft — especially when transforming ripe fruit into jars of jewel-toned jelly sealed with love.
What is canning
This person is responsible for the Brown family living in Perry Hill
Who is Julia Brown Toomer
At Nana and Papa’s house, a typical Saturday evening meal would consist of this
What are lima beans, rice, and ham hock?
This is the first "Psalm" that she taught her children
What is the 23rd Psalm (The Lord Is My Shepherd)?
Before the house was finished in January of 1970, the family would eat Sunday dinner here
What is in the yard