Doris Delores Braxton, nee Rollins, was born on September 28, 1929.She was the second child born to Jerome W. and Minnie A. Rollins (nee Burrell). She accepted the Lord in her life at an early age at Simmons Memorial Baptist Church. She joined John Wesley United Methodist Church December 15, 1974 and attended as long as her health permitted.

 

Doris was married to William H. Braxton Jr. for 63 years until his death on March 2, 2010. Together they raised 5 children, Sheila, Howard (d), Michael(d), Carroll (d) and Jeffrey. Doris loved God, her family, high heel shoes, reading, the theater, flowers and traveling. She kept a suitcase packed and ready to go on short notice. She always made herself available to anyone in need. Doris's sense of humor and her smile were her trademark.

 

To My children and Grandchildren

You have given me the gifts of your time, your love, your hugs, your tears, and your laughter, plus a whole lot of great and great-great grandchildren. For this I thank you. Each of you have a special place in my heart. I ask that you love each other and be there for each other as I was for you. Love is the key to happiness, love of God, love of self, love of others. Put your arms around each other and give them what you have to give, look for me in each other and let me live in your heart, and your mind and your kindness. Laugh and love without reservation. Love does not die, and it is free, so give it away.

 

To My Family

Life is but a blink of an eye, do not waste it. Live the best life you can, never being cruel, always seeing and acknowledging the best in people, honor you ancestors, remember the good times, good food and good company, and above all learn to forgive.

 

Doris was preceded in death by her father, mother, husband, 3 sons, her brother Jerome W. Rollins and sister Edna I. Parham. Doris leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Sheila Grier, her son Jeffery Braxton, her sister Patricia Edmonds (Donald), 12 grandchildren Kia Thomas, Howard Braxton Jr., Rolanda Lovette, Jamal Braxton (Shanelle), Michael Braxton, Wendell Braxton (Zakiyya), Min. Kristina Braxton, Jerome Braxton, Taevon Braxton, Jeffrey Braxton Jr., Antuan Braxton, and Dejeun Braxton; 23 great grandchildren,1 great grandson who preceded her in death, 11 great-great grandchildren, plus 3 on the way including a set of twins, 5 nieces (one preceded her in death) and 6 nephews (two preceded her in death), a devoted nephew, William "Billy" Parham, a god daughter, Lisa Parham Kiah, three long time and dear road buddies; Eddie Marcus (RIP), Joan Campbell and Shirley Deily, last but not least devoted friend and neighbor, Dora (Cookie)Smythe, and a host of relatives near and far.