Dr. Linda Paulette Moxey-Brown

May the work I've done speak for me. May the life I've lived speak for me.

OBITUARY

Dr. Linda Paulette Moxey-Brown

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.

So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Romans 14:8

Dr. Linda Paulette Moxey-Brown was born on February 3rd, 1955 in the tranquil and charming settlement of Duncan Town, Ragged Island, Bahamas to the late Captain Hezron and Mrs. Elva Moxey. Linda was their second child and eldest daughter, one that was indeed cherished. She was a woman of her generation through and through, whose heart remained anchored in service. Along with loving life itself, she loved music, traveling, books, sports, and Bahamian culture. A true “Junkanooer” at heart, she also enjoyed folk music, storytelling, and dance. Linda’s bright smile and contagious laughter were her trademarks and filled a room wherever she went. At an early age, she honed her skills of playing the Congo drums, piano, keyboard, organ, and many other instruments, and her melodious singing voice would fill any room. All of these were gifts that she generously shared and displayed with family and friends alike. Linda sung at many public and private events; whether at church, schools, funerals, and any other celebrations that required a singing voice. She was also a church organist and songwriter, having composed songs with other Bahamian Artists. She is featured on the popular Bahamian Song “Dis We Culture.” Her compositions and performances were not just heard, they were felt, carrying her faith and artistry into the hearts of all who listened. Through her kindness, warmth, perseverance, and unconditional love, Linda led by example, and was cherished deeply by those around her.

Linda was a distinguished educator and cultural leader with a tenacious sprit and lifelong commitment to excellence, learning and service to her country. Upon graduating from Queen’s College in 1972, Linda began her career as a music teacher, where she taught more than just notes and rhythm, and where her passion for nurturing and mentoring young minds as well as preserving cultural heritage quickly became evident. She taught the language of the soul and inspired generations to find their own voice, nurturing not just talent but confidence and joy. Some of the educational institutions in Nassau, Bahamas that received the benefit of Linda’s musical skills and fortitude were: Willard Patton and Carlton Francis Primary Schools; C.H. Reeves, C.I. Gibson and S.C. McPherson Junior High Schools; and Government High and C.V. Bethel High Schools. To her, music was prayer in motion, a way to feel God’s presence in every harmony through every voice. Her former students will remember her patient encouragement, and her bringing of creativity, discipline, and joy together in perfect rhythm; along with her unwavering belief that music could change a life.

Having studied Hospitality Management at Florida International University, Linda worked for many years at various leading hotels in the United States of America. After returning to The Bahamas, Linda was employed by The Ministry of Tourism, where she held key positions at the then Cable Beach and Crystal Palace Hotels. As a hotelier, she turned hospitality into an art-form welcoming guests not as customers, but as family. Her passion for people extended far beyond hotel walls. Her remarkable leadership and vision later led her to eventually serving as Director of Culture through the years 2011-2016 with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, where she played a key role in managing and promoting all forms of cultural expression. Linda saw art and tradition as expressions of God’s creativity placed within each of us. Her leadership-built communities; her vision nurtured beauty; and her belief in the power of culture made our world richer and more compassionate. She became a guardian of Bahamian identity and a steward of its art, music, and heritage. Under Dr. Moxey Brown’s leadership, cultural programs blossomed, artists were empowered, and Family Islanders were reminded of their shared pride and purpose, especially during national cultural and

sporting events. She believed deeply in the power of culture to unite, heal, and build bridges across generations.

She particularly enjoyed her involvement and participation with the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festivals, the National Junior Junkanoo Program, International Federations of Art Councils & Culture Agencies, (IFACCA), Australia; Bahamas China Friendship Partnership and the National Independence Commission.

As a public servant, Linda also served as Assistant Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, with responsibility for the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) in North Andros, from the year 2016 until her retirement from the public service in the year 2020. She brought the same vision, care and dedication that had defined her entire life, to this position. She believed that the land and sea, some of the gifts that God had blessed our country with were sacred trusts to be cherished and protected. Dr. Moxey-Brown’s duties in agriculture and marine resources reflected faith in action, and were wide and meaningful. She worked along with community leaders-helping to strengthen local industries, promote sustainable practices and preserve our natural resources. She was a bridge-builder who listened intently, who led with wisdom, and inspired others to work not just for progress, but for purpose. Those who worked with her describe her as graceful yet strong, visionary yet grounded, spiritual yet practical.

Throughout her career, Dr. Moxey-Brown was celebrated not only for her professionalism and intellect, but also for her grace, compassion, and deep love of her country’s cultural traditions. Her influence extended beyond the institutions where she worked and served, touching countless lives and inspiring generations of students, artists, colleagues, and friends. Linda worked tirelessly to promote national identity, artistic expression, and educational reform; and the legacy she leaves behind will forever be footprints in the annals of Bahamian cultural history and expression.

All of the above being said, there was another side to Dr. Linda Moxey-Brown. In 1985 she became a Bahamas State Association of Elks IBPOEW member, joining Curfew Temple #816 where she served proudly in various roles especially that of official organist. She also during her tenure held positions as Past Grand Daughter Ruler, Past Grand Temple Officer, Past Daughter Ruler Council, Past State President, and Past State Officer. Over the years she travelled extensively to many Elks and other lodge conventions in Florida, Atlanta, Las Vegas, California, and Baltimore, just to name a few. Linda was highly committed to self-improvement, character development and community involvement.

She exemplified the principles of service, unity, and community upliftment through many volunteerism programs. Her warmth, wisdom and steadfast faith touched all who knew her at various organizations that she was a part of, inclusive of The Bahamas Red Cross where she volunteered, The National Family Island Regatta Committee, The Bahamas Boat Owners & Sailors Association, and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s People-to-People program. Linda during her life’s sojourn, also served as a committee member of the Bahamas Mother’s Club, St. Barnabas Prayer Band and St. Barnabas A.C.W. She was the organist at Zion Yamacraw Baptist Church, alternating to also play her “organ keyboard” for Anglican churches throughout Andros. Her music helped to transform worship into moments of deep connection; her hands brought life to hymns and inspired worship that touched the very core of the spirit. She was indeed a melody of grace, and vision, sharing her time and talents with harmony and purpose-not in words alone, but in the universal language of music.

In the midst of an active and productive life, Dr. Linda Moxey-Brown still found time to be a wife; a devoted, wise and steadfast mother; sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her family was her greatest composition, each member being a note in her song of life. However, human nature having the complexities that it does, meant that Linda was “not all things to all men.” Each individual experienced a unique side of the person that she truly was. In the year 1975, Linda was joined in matrimony to Lawrence Curtis and from that union she welcomed her eldest son, Lorenz Moxey-Curtis. Life continuing to take its course, in the year 1988 she married Elbert Danny Brown and from this union received two further gifts from God, namely Paulette and Daniel Brown.

With all of the accolades, titles, achievements and degrees that have been earned and bestowed upon Linda in her lifetime, it is necessary to state that the one that truly mattered was that she was indeed a child of God; one whose faith was unshakeable, and whose life was a living testament to the grace and goodness of God. He was her strength and her Redeemer, and He brought her through the vicissitudes of her earthly trek. We are certain that she now counts it all joy and is singing and shouting the victory. Linda’s life was a symphony, composed in kindness, purpose and devotion. Although the final note of her earthly song has now faded, the music of her spirit continues to resonate in harmony within every heart that she touched during her earthly pilgrimage. She has run her race and has finished her course. She has kept the faith, and has entered into eternal rest with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Saviour. AMEN.