Willie Belle Braxton

On May 28, 1942, in Talladega, Alabama, Gester and Malinda Millender Long welcomed to the world their one and only child, a beautiful baby girl named Willie Bell. At an early age, Willie Belle accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with Peace Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a true and faithful servant of God working and serving in his vineyard until her health began to fail. Willie Belle loved her church and her church family. This was proven throughout life while she sang in the choir, served as a matron, a deaconess, and a Sunday School teacher, but most of all, Willie Belle earned the title of being a faithful mother of the church. She was a God-fearing woman who loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. When it came to church and her family, she went above and beyond to make sure God's word was known and understood. After receiving her formal education, Willie Belle earned her associate degree in business administration. She later became a seamstress working for Medline and Anniston Sportswear before retiring to spend quality time with her family. Along Willie Belle's life journey, she met her soulmate and husband, the late Mr. Elisha Braxton with whom she enjoyed over 45 years of a blessed marriage and the blessing of seven loving children. Her children meant the world to her, and she cherished them with all her heart. Willie Belle affectionately became known as "Mrs. Rooney" to family, community, and friends. She loved her children, but her grandchildren were the apples of her eye. She found great joy in following them around to all their sport events giving them all the support a grandmother could give. In her spare time, she continued using her seamstress skills for anyone who needed alterations. We can't leave out her private time for working those crossword puzzles, which is something she enjoyed. Willie Belle will always be remembered as a kindhearted and caring mother to all who knew her. She was truly a gift from God and will be immeasurably missed by her community and all who took part in knowing her. Willie Belle completed her 80-year life journey on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 while under the care of Comfort Care Hospice in the comfort of her home surrounded by loved ones. Once gaining her heavenly wings, she was reunited with her parents, Gester and Malinda Long, husband, Elisha Braxton, and son, Byron Braxton. Willie Belle's loving memories will remain in the hearts of her five sons, Gerald (Voncilla) Braxton, Elisha Andre Braxton, Gary Braxton, Stephen (April) Braxton, and Carlos (Crystal) Braxton; one daughter, Tanesha Braxton; bonus daughter, Crystal Calhoun; special grandson, Tra'Nike Braxton; two brothers-in-law, Robert Lee Braxton and Leroy Wallace; best friend who was like a sister, Inez Dickerson Wells; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Willie Belle Braxton

May 28, 1942 - April 19, 2023