Published: August 29, 2008 03:28 pm      

Kookens celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

UPPER MARLBORO — Brenda Alice Jones, formerly of Midland, married Browne Lee Kooken, formerly of Westernport, on Aug. 30, 1958, on a beautiful summer day at Grace United Methodist Church in Midland. Brenda and Browne Lee have lived in Washington, D.C., Arlington, Va., and Baltimore and have resided in Upper Marlboro for the last 35 years.

Browne Lee received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from George Washington University and his juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University. He continues to practice law in Upper Marlboro while Brenda manages his office.

Brenda received a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology from the University of Maryland in 1985, where she participated in numerous archaeological digs in historic Annapolis and Alexandria, Va.

Browne Lee and Brenda have three children: Brent of Cheltenham, Brian of Parkton and Brooke of Annapolis. Brian and his wife Becky are the parents of Brenda and Browne Lee’s pride and joy, their granddaughter Sarah. Brooke is married to Kevin Silard.

Brenda and Browne Lee have enjoyed 50 wonderful years together. Avid travelers, they have visited virtually every state in the union, as well as Canada and Mexico. They are members of the Terrapin Club at the University of Maryland and spend as much time as they can cheering on Maryland teams. They have attended many ACC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and football bowl games and were present at both the men’s and women’s national championship basketball victories.

In Browne Lee’s spare time, he enjoys playing guitar with his son Brian, a professional musician, and his granddaughter Sarah, a gifted musician like her father and grandfather. He loves solving crossword puzzles and discussing genealogy with anyone who will listen.

Brenda enjoys traveling anywhere with Browne Lee and particularly loves to watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets. She is an avid follower of college football and basketball. She also enjoys fiction from the New York Times Best Seller’s List.

On today’s date, Browne Lee and Brenda are kicking off their golden anniversary with worship at Grace United Methodist Church, followed by a big bash at Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort. They have family and friends traveling from near and far to celebrate with them all weekend long. A highlight of their party will be a private concert by “The Three Generations of Lassie, Laddie and Daddie,” granddaughter Sarah, son Brian and Browne Lee.

Brenda is the daughter of the late Joey and Alice Jones, and the sister of Elma Layman, Frostburg, JoRetha Scouten, Fayetteville, Pa., J. Neil Jones, esquire, Midland, and the late Betty Faye Lannon, Jeanette Armstrong and Jesse Marshall Butch Jones.

Browne Lee is the son of Virginia Lee Kooken, who still resides in Westernport and just celebrated her “91 years young” birthday, and the late V. Browne Kooken. He is the older brother to Bonnie Camenisch, Wilmette, Ill., Tom Kooken, North Andover, Mass., Anita Lupton, Westernport, and Dick Kooken, St. Petersburg, Fla.

The couple have many cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Brenda and Browne Lee are as in love today as the day they were first married. Their family and friends are excited to be a part of such a joyous celebration.