Lillie Mae Braxton

In Loving Memory of Lillie Braxton

Lillie Braxton was born on December 28, 1957, at home on Haddie Crossroads in Pitt County, North Carolina. Her birth was officially recorded the following morning, December 29, 1957, at Pitt County Hospital. She was the beloved daughter of the late Mr. Johnnie Braxton and Pastor Ethel Gilbert.

Though she was an only child, Lillie shared a lifelong bond with her cousins, Kenneth Green and Shirley Green, whom she lovingly called her brother and sister. She was also raised among uncles, aunts, and cousins whom she cherished as brothers and sisters throughout her life.

Lillie received her education in the Pitt County School District in North Carolina. She was blessed with three devoted children: Ali Braxton, Sheila Jackson, and Mariesa Jackson, who were the joy of her life.

Throughout her life, Lillie dedicated herself to serving others. She worked in Human Services and held various roles as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), seamstress, public works representative, retail associate, and cook. She approached every position with compassion, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

In 2010, Lillie earned her Bachelor of Theology from Christian Leadership Bible College Inc., fulfilling a deep calling to grow in her faith and serve God more fully. After completing her theological studies, she devoted her life wholeheartedly to ministry and spiritual encouragement.

She was a devoted member of New Flame Restoration Christian Church, located at 1375 State Street in New Haven, Connecticut. There, she inspired many through her example of love, faith, and perseverance, often sharing scripture to uplift and encourage others.

Lillie had a heart of gold and made everyone she met feel valued and appreciated. She loved crab legs, playing sports and chicken pastry, and her joy was contagious whether she was eating, singing, or dancing. While she deeply loved her family, her greatest love was for God. The love that flowed from her spirit was abundant and felt by all who knew her. She was truly the backbone of her family and faithfully carried out the work God called her to do.

In 2013, Lillie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She held deep gratitude and affection for her medical team, especially Dr. Tara Sanft, and the nurses who cared for her. In a special gesture of appreciation, she presented Dr. Sanft with a plaque to honor the compassion and dedication she received throughout her treatment.

Lillie leaves to cherish her loving children, Ali Braxton, Sheila Jackson, and Mariesa Jackson; grandsons Loneil Howard and Martin Louis Ward; Meagan Pinkard, daughter of her children’s father, and Meagan’s children, Kayla Pinkard and Shawn Fuller, whom Lillie loved and embraced as her own grandchildren; uncles David Green, Charles Green, and Robert (Hazel) Green; sisters Queenie (Pastor Jimmie) Swanson and Mary Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Pastor Ethel Gilbert; her father, Johnnie Braxton; her step father William Gilbert her grandson, Isschar Howard, grandfather Frank and Mary Jane Mills Green, uncle John Henry Green, Aunt Hattie Mae (Joe) Wallace, Uncle Ricard (Alice) Green, uncle Pastor Jimmy Swanson, uncle Willie Green, and uncle Henry Taylor.

The family also acknowledges Martin Jackson, father of Sheila and Mariesa, with appreciation for the beautiful daughters they shared.

Her love, faith, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of Lillie Mae Braxton will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at New Flame Christian Church 1375 State Street, New Haven, CT, 06511. Viewing will take place at 10am with a service to follow at 11am. Burial will take place at Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Avenue, Hamden, CT. Condolences may be expressed at colonialfunerals.com.

To send flowers to Lillie's service call Mae Flower and Gift Shop, 302 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT (475) 224-5932.