By Delayna Earley
The Island News
ST. HELENA ISLAND – A grieving community came together on Sunday to celebrate the life of a young girl who brought light into the lives of everyone she met.
More than 50 people gathered at De Gullah Way Tutorial Center on Sunday, May 28, 2023, on St. Helena Island to remember Mackaya Bradley-Brun and to support her family.
Mackaya’s father, Cliff Brun, her grandmother, Donna Brun, and her two sisters, Macklynn, 8, and Mackenzie, 16, were present at the vigil.
Mackaya, 6, died on May 19, 2023, after she was allegedly drowned by her mother in their family home off of Sam Doyle Drive on St. Helena Island.
Jamie Bradley-Brun, 37, was charged with murder and attempted murder in the death of Mackaya and the attempted drowning of her middle daughter, 8-year-old Macklynn.
One by one, those who knew and loved Mackaya got up and shared meaningful, and at times humorous, stories about the young girl.
“When she walked in the door you could see the sparkle in her eyes,” said De Gullah Way Tutorial Program executive director Sara Reynolds. “You could tell that her aura was different from some of the other kids who come in.”
According to Reynolds, Mackaya, who attended the program for three years, was always making sure that everyone was OK and following the rules.
“She was living up to her dream of wanting to be a police officer,” said Amanda Jackson, a former teacher with the organization.
Tea lights and bubble wands were available for attendees to use at the end of the vigil in memory of Mackaya. At first only children grabbed the bubbles, but soon the adults joined, and welcome sounds of laughter could be heard.
“I want to thank everyone for everything that they have done and for our family, it has made this process a lot easier,” said Cliff Brun, Mackaya’s father.
He also expressed thanks to the community for helping his daughters through this very difficult time.
“All of the girls were always so bright. Their mother would take them to the library and had them involved in all of the different groups, she would help them out with their homework, made sure they were dressed perfectly,” Reynolds said. “She was a great mom, and you know, things happened, we don’t know what happened, but prior to that moment we saw a loving mom.”
Jamie volunteered with De Gullah Way Tutorial Program and, according to Reynolds, was once the PTO president of St. Helena Elementary School and was very active in the community.
Reynolds said that plans are in the works to try and break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues for adults and hopes to create a parenting group to provide an outlet for adults in the community to express their feelings and troubles.
A mental health program called The Heal Program founded by Dr. Renee Smith is already in place for the children and teenagers of St. Helena Island to help them deal with issues in their lives, according to Reynolds.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up for the family and as of Tuesday, May 30, more than $14,300 has been raised. Donations were collected both at and prior to the event with all money going to the family to help pay for their relocation to Port Royal and Mackaya’s service.
Delayna Earley lives in Beaufort with her husband, two children and Jack Russell. She spent six years as a videographer and photographer for The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette before leaving the Lowcountry in 2018. After freelancing in Myrtle Beach and Virginia, she joined The Island News when she moved back to Beaufort in 2022. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
