John Braxton, Jr.

John Braxton, Jr. (affectionally known as “Braxton”) was born July 20, 1928 to the late Bertha and John Braxton Sr in Greenville, NC. He was the oldest of 4 siblings (all deceased). He was preceded in death by his son, Gerald Marable. Braxton
was 90 years young at the time of his death and lived life to the fullest. Braxton didn’t allow grass to grow under his feet. He
was quite mobile and mind was fully alert until his passing. He was extremely independent and would help you cross the
street before allowing someone to help him. To him, age was only a number, not a position in life. Because Braxton loved his country, he proudly enlisted in the Navy in 1946 and after 23 years of faithful service and traveling around world, he honorably retired in Norfolk VA where he settled with his children and then wife Gloria Braxton. During his military career, Braxton served during wartime and received 2 medals of honor, The Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
After retiring from the military, Braxton went on to serve as a merchant seaman with the National Oceanic Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and retired after 20 years of service. At age 90, Braxton still enjoyed working and staying busy. It
was just not in his nature to sit still and let life pass by. His motto was “a body in motion stays in motion and a body at
rest stays at rest” hence the reason for his long and active life.

Braxton leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Minnie Bradby-Braxton, three daughters, Patricia Holley (New Haven, CT), Deidre Braxton Bailey (Larry), and Schnetta Braxton, Norfolk, two grandchildren, Brehon Bailey (Norfolk), Breagan Bailey (Dubai), one great granddaughter, Brianna Bailey and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.