Mrs. Mildred McIntyre Braxton

In the infinite wisdom of the Lord, Mildred McIntyre Braxton surrendered to the call for eternal rest on June 2, 2024. She was the fifth of six children born July 22, 1933, to Walter McEachern McIntyre and Rebecca Hooks McIntyre in Cheraw, South Carolina. At an early age, Mildred accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior receiving her early spiritual instruction and training at Pee Dee Union Baptist Church in Cheraw, South Carolina. Her Christian journey continued as a young adult when she joined First Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Dr. C.R. Edwards. Mildred served for many years as an accomplished organist and pianist for the League, Senior and Youth choirs at First Baptist Church. Because of her accomplished musicianship, she was sought after to accompany musicians, soloists, and choirs in the community and at various churches including College Heights Presbyterian Church and Haymount Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC. Mildred graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1952 from Coulter Memorial Academy in Cheraw, SC. After graduation from high school, Mildred attended Fayetteville State Teacher’s College, now known as Fayetteville State University, from 1952-1956. As a student at Fayetteville State Teacher’s College, Mildred was involved in numerous campus activities. These include serving as an officer in the Charles Waddell Chesnutt Book Club and her initiation into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Alpha Chapter in May 1954. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and continued her post-graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she received a Master of Arts degree in Education. With a career spanning over 40 years, Mildred Braxton was an esteemed educator. She dedicated her life to fostering learning and growth in her students and in the community. Her impact, dedication and commitment touched the lives of students in Lumberton (Robeson County) NC, Fayetteville City Schools and Cumberland County School System (Fayetteville, NC). She taught students at various grade levels (elementary through high school) who exhibited various learning styles and abilities. Some of the schools in which she taught include Ferguson Elementary School, Margaret Willis Elementary School, and Horace Sisk Junior High School (formerly of Fayetteville City Schools). At the time of her retirement, Mildred Braxton was an exceptional children’s teacher at Ezekiel Ezra Smith High School in Fayetteville, NC. After her retirement, Mildred continued her advocacy for education. She was a member of the Cumberland County Retired School Personnel, an affiliate of the North Carolina Teachers Association; and Fayetteville State University Alumni Association, Inc. Cumberland County Chapter and she was a faithful member until her health declined. Mildred was an original member of the Little Miss and Master FSU Pageant Committee, the Cumberland County Chapter's signature fundraising event. She was also the pianist of the children's pageant performances. Mildred was a member and volunteer at the Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. According to remarks made at an annual board meeting, “Mildred’s volunteer history with Cumberland Community Foundation was extensive. She was elected to the Board in 1999. Mildred served in many roles, including the chair of the three-year neighborhood small grants program – Strengthening Neighborhood Initiative. At the Cumberland Community Foundation, she is known as the ‘Scholarship Ambassador.’ She brought many of the CCF scholarship donors to the CCF-Literally. “She picked them up in her car and brought them with their checkbooks down to CCF. Mildred helped build an inclusive scholarship program that has integrity and maintains the trust of the community. Since she joined the board, annual scholarship awards have grown from $12,000 to $694,000. The scholarship program now awards over a million dollars annually. Mildred’s hard work and advocacy for CCF will change lives – For good. For ever.” Because of her dedication and commitment, the Cumberland Community Foundation has established the Mildred Braxton Memorial Endowment for Education. “This endowment was created by members of the board and staff of Cumberland Community Foundation to celebrate Mildred Braxton's leadership from 1999 through 2011 and to continue her support of education opportunities for children and youth with priority for summer camps, programs at E. E. Smith High School, and scholarships, as the fund grows.” Mildred was the devoted and loving wife of Retired Army Major James Earl Braxton for 44 years whom she met while he was stationed at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), NC. This union was blessed with a son, Vincent, whom she dearly loved. Mildred is preceded in death by her husband, James E. Braxton; parents, Walter and Rebecca McIntyre; brothers Walter McIntyre, Jr., and George McIntyre; and sisters Bessie M. Robinson, Evelyn M. Broom, and Gladys M. Hill. Cherishing her life and legacy is her loving son, Vincent Braxton of Fayetteville, NC; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and a multitude of other relatives, neighbors and friends. Because of her love for Jesus Christ and the love she demonstrated to her family, friends, church and the community; she will be deeply missed, and her memory will be forever cherished. Memorial gifts may be made to Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. for the Mildred Braxton Memorial Endowment for Education, PO Box 2345, Fayetteville, NC 28302 or online at www.cumberlandcf.org.

Mrs. Mildred McIntyre Braxton

July 22, 1933 - June 2, 2024