Dawn Alisterine Kenney Brown

UTICA - Dawn Alisterine Kenney Brown, age 56, departed this earthly life to spend eternity in Heaven with her Lord, on Friday, July 22, 2022 with her loving family by her side. Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 10, 1965, Dawn was the daughter of the late Sandra C. Kenney and Joseph B. “Red” Sessoms. She spent a great deal of time during her early childhood years with her maternal grandmother Vera C. Dobbs and family, where she was reared in the fear and admonition of God while attending the First Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, New York. She also spent time with her maternal uncle, Pastor Nathaniel Carmichael at the Blanche Memorial Baptist Church in Queens, New York. Dawn attended New York City public schools throughout her youth and early teens, and in August of 2001, she relocated to Utica, NY to start a new life. She had jobs at various places, but most notably, Turning Stone Casino where she worked construction and was part of the crew that created the main waterfall in the original casino. She then gained employment at the Masonic Home when the new additions were underway at that facility. Dawn loved to cook and feed people. She wanted them to “come by” and “get a plate”! She took a Culinary Arts course to perfect her craft and became a great cook, serving the Utica area as the main chef for the Meals on Wheels program. Dawn was loved and respected in the community and will be deeply missed! Above all else, Dawn loved her family! Her daughter and sons were the apple of her eye! She always made Seafood Fridays special for her children. Also, on her weekly menu was Spaghetti Night, Chitlins, T-Bone Steak, Whiting Fish, Rice and Beans, Tomato and Cucumber Salad always with Cornbread, and Sweet Potato Pie for her granddaughter. Her sons played on the Dick Miller premier youth basketball league in Central New York, and she attended every game, cheering while carrying one of the first camcorders, and never missing a beat! Dawn always gave her children positive and spiritual advice, and right or wrong, she stood by their side. She was also the consummate “doting grandmother” and had a role in their lives because generations always raised generations, as they passed their values and life experiences to each of them. Her favorite leisure pastime was online Bingo ~ check her out! Roulette was her Casino game, and among her phone apps, Tasty-Time fulfilled her desire to run her own restaurant. She also loved going fishing with her friends and family including Shelly, Nessa, and Will. Dawn was legendary because she was so remarkable. When you met her, you saw her true colors. She was the most trusted, go-to person, and she truly found a way to help others to stay on track, …she always believed in 2 or 3 chances. Although she was honest, feisty, bold, and sassy, she was also courageous, benevolent, and good-hearted. She had a spirit that would light up a room, and she was the life of the party! She will never be forgotten! Dawn always kept her faith, and encouraged her children to embrace the biblical principles. She loved to sing with the children in church and two of her favorite songs were “Ask God A Favor” and “Going Up Yonder.” Dawn loved people, and most of all, Dawn loved the Lord! She never said “Goodbye” …only “Shalom” meaning “Peace.” Dawn leaves her daughter, Tanequa Kenney; her twin sons, Andre L. Oliver-Kenney who preceded her, and Anthony L. Oliver-Kenney Jr., and his everything, Ashley Garcia; her grandchildren, Kiannalys, Anthony Jr., Donnell, Andre Jr., Adrian, Andrea, Lamar, Lashawn, Jamya, and Shamela; her grandchildren’s mothers: Ashley Garcia, Leslie Diaz, Shante Miller, Mary Rose Baker, and Toysette Allen; her former husband, Andre Brown and his daughters Natalie and Niki. She was preceded by her siblings. She will be remembered by her niece, Darlene Johnson and her daughter Rachelle; her Godsister Daphne Wilson; and Sha and Lucky who she loved dearly. She also leaves her aunts, Acqullia Bailey (Everton) and her children Sabra, and Evera; Lois Dobbs Rose (George) and their families, Geordonn (Shanakay), Neveah, Zoey, A’mee, and Candace; her uncles and their families, including her special and beloved Ray Brown; John Dobbs (Rosa), John Jr., Cyreeta, Leyana, Ceyrene, and Joshua Dobbs; Jacob Dobbs, Angelica, Angelique, Jacette (Barry), Zion, Aliza; and George Dobbs (Faye), Anthony, and Hopeton; her cousins, Derrence Kellman, Theodore Gibbs, and Clayton Gibbs; her dear friend, Ulysses; and Josie, Nessa, Shelly, and cousin Jessie who were close to her heart; and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends who will cherish her memory. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the MVHS at St. Elizabeth Campus’ entire staff of the ER, ICU; the Cardiac and Neurology Department, especially Dr. Scott S. Brehaut, and the staff, Stephanie, Amy, Kevin, and Gary; the phone operators; Chief Apostle W.J. Steele, and Pastor Angela Carter; and all the family and friends who sent condolences. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon, July 31, 2022 from 12:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Dawn’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 immediately upon conclusion of visitation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N7v0BmPYes

Dawn Alisterine Kenney Brown

October 10, 1965 - July 22, 2022