John Sylvester Braxton 69, transitioned to be with the Lord after a brief illness on Friday, June 3,
2022. John was born on May 7, 1953, to the late Catherine (Britton) and William Henry Braxton Sr. in
Washington District of Columbia. Growing up, John was called by his middle name, Sylvester, a
select few of his close friends called him “Velp”. John’s extended family included the Stewarts,
the Padgetts, the Baileys, and the Rosemonds, of Kingman Place. After graduating from
Cardoza High School, in June 1970, he preferred to be called John.
John was very athletic and well known for his basketball skills throughout the D.C. area
basketball leagues. He was an accomplished point guard and shooting guard. He became one of
the first team members of the Kingman Boys and Girls Club basketball team.
After high school, John participated in the Kingman Boys & Girls Club Vocational Skills
Training Program where he acquired basic printing press techniques. This training was
instrumental in him becoming a Master Printer for the U.S. Government Printing Office. Even though
John had a passion and excelled in this career, he was forced to change careers due to an ink
allergy. John became a sterilization technician and worked at several hospitals including Sibley
Hospital in Washington D.C. He met and married his wife, Florence in 1991. They began a life in Framingham and later settled in Worcester. John was known throughout several community groups. for those that had the pleasure to meet him knew him for his kind heart and giving nature.
John always found joy and fulfillment in helping young people grow into mature responsible
adults. He became a summer counselor at the Kingman Boys & Girls Club. John never lost his
love for God’s people, always lending a helping hand, sharing words of encouragement, and
being available even when it proved to be a sacrifice. For him, it was a sacrifice of love.
John is mourned by his wife of 31 years, Florence (Sona) Braxton; five sons, Bernard Sona, Michael Braxton, Emmanuel Braxton, Liren Braxton, and Samuel Braxton all of Worcester; three daughters, Latrecia Braxton of Forestville, MD, Nina Braxton and Bianca Braxton of Worcester; 10 grandchildren; two sisters, Rev. Dr. Claudette Braxton Gohanna of Lemon Grove, CA and Carol Braxton of NC; a brother in spirit, Richard Braxton, Jr.; God brother Horace Fletcher; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
John is predeceased by his parents, Catherine (Britton) and William H. Braxton Sr; three brothers,
Richard C. Braxton, William H. Braxton, Jr. of Washington D.C., and Edward L. Braxton; and a niece, Pamela Bradley.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, July 2nd at 11:00 a.m. in St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 5 Spaulding Street. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster Street. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 1st from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue and on Saturday, July 2nd from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the Mass at the church. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements.