Cornelius Cooke Braxton was born June 1, 1934, the fourth and youngest child of Carrie Jones Braxton and Clarence Leonard Braxton Sr. in Newport News, Virginia. After a long life well spent in the service of others and his Creator, he entered into rest on January 25, 2026 in Hampton, Virginia.

Growing up, Cornelius enjoyed all types of music, clean corny comedy, and sports. Following in the footsteps of his older brothers, he played in the band and joined the swim team at Hampton Institute. While music and humor remained an integral part of him, athletics became his academic focus and shaped his choice of vocation. He also cultivated a love of words and sharing what he learned, which later moved him to read aloud to anyone who would listen.

In 1956, Cornelius met Catherine Mayo, the love of his life. They courted long distance while he was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and she was completing her college education at Virginia State. On June 27, 1959, they married in their hometown. Both became public school teachers, as did all three of Cornelius' siblings.

Cornelius and Catherine raised two daughters, Ann Catherine (born in 1963) and Cornelia Lynette (born in 1966). As parents, they set a shining example of extending brotherly love, always ready to help those in need. Their Hampton home at 1511 Wildwood Drive became a haven for family, friends and strangers in need of a place to stay; there was always room for one more at the "Braxton Inn."

Cornelius inherited from his father a love of spiritual things and, after finding the Bible-based truths he had long sought, was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1968. Eventually his wife and daughters too became dedicated, baptized Witnesses, and they enjoyed worshiping together as a family. Cornelius was appointed an elder in 1973, a position he held until his death, and spent untold hours providing loving guidance and support to his Christian brothers and sisters. He also took seriously Jesus' commission to preach, teach and make disciples, and would talk to anyone anywhere about the Bible. Though he'd worked as a lifeguard in his youth, Cornelius found this life-saving work to be the most gratifying.

Brother Cornelius Braxton is survived by Catherine M. Braxton, his devoted wife of 66 years, his two daughters, Ann Catherine Braxton and Lynette Oliver, his son-in-law Derek Oliver (also an elder), his brothers Clarence (Iris) and Arthur (Margaret) Braxton, daughterly niece Debbie McNeil, spiritual son Lonnel Yuille, many nieces, nephews and cousins and a myriad of cherished friends. Cornelius looked forward to seeing his parents, his sister Mildred, and his third baby daughter brought back to life. Now countless ones who loved him eagerly await his return in Jehovah God's righteous New World soon to come under the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 804-41st Street, Newport News, Va.

Zoom. (Meeting ID: 897 465 3574; passcode: West)