Bettye Jean Bragg

Bettye Jean Branch Bragg was born on December 7, 1942, in Richmond, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Warren Eugene Branch Sr. and Deloris Easley Branch and was the second of four siblings. After a lengthy illness, Bettye entered eternal rest on March 2, 2023. She attended Randolph Elementary School, Graves Junior High School, and completed her studies at Maggie L. Walker High School, where she was a 1961 graduate. During her Maggie L. Walker days, she was a member of the Dancing Dolls and the Cheerleading Squad. After graduating high school, Bettye started her first job at Miller and Rhodes Co. in downtown Richmond. Soon after, she met the love of her life, Clarence Bragg. From that union two children were born and after a 25-year separation, she and Clarence reunited on November 30, 2002. Once her children were of school age, Bettye began her career with Richmond Public Schools as a paraprofessional with the Head Start Program. Her entire tenure was spent at Overby Sheppard Elementary School in Richmond’s Highland Park District. Her love and concern for her students was evident when they would come back to visit her during their high school years and beyond. While employed by Richmond Public Schools, Bettye participated in the Ten Pin Bowling League for many years. As additional support for her family, she also worked at Sears and Roebuck at Cloverleaf Mall until its closure. In 2002, Bettye entered early retirement from Richmond Public Schools as a result of complications from Lupus. Bettye was born into the Catholic faith, was christened, and received her first Holy Communion in May of 1953 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. In the mid 70’s, Bettye and her family joined Sixth Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Dr. E. L. Fleming and she remained a faithful member until her health declined in 2022. She contributed her gifts and talents as a member of the Sixth Baptist Women’s Chorale, The E. L. Fleming Gospel Chorus, and The Women’s Ministry. She was also a member of her family’s gospel group, “IN FAITH” and participated annually with the Metro Revival Choir for many years. Over the years, Bettye had many hobbies and interests that were near and dear to her heart, beginning with her love of talking on the CB Radio. She was affectionately known over the air waves as “The Brown-Eyed Doll”. Later in life, her pastimes included taking day trips to Charlestown Casino, working on 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, having lunch and shopping with Dorothy Fells and her younger sister, Wanda, talking to her older sister, Barbara, daily about their Channel 6 Soap Operas, and constantly clowning with her baby brother, Boo. Bettye was an avid Dallas Cowboys, Duke’s Girls Basketball Team, and NASCAR fan. Bettye was loved by all who knew her. She was quick-witted and compassionate. She was a supportive, protective, “ride or die” advocate for her children. She loved them with all her might. She was an awesome Sister to her siblings and a loving wife to her husband twice over. Bettye leaves many precious memories with her husband, Clarence W. Bragg, children, Kevin Lamont Bragg (Jokita), and Candace Bragg Freeburn; granddaughter, Samantha Rae Bragg; sisters, Barbara Anderson, Wanda B. West (Ronnie); brother, Warren E. Branch Jr. (Debra); brother-in-law, Richard Bragg; sister-in-law, Carolyn Joyner (Thomas), and a host of nieces, one devoted Barbara Bryan; nephews, cousins, SBC family and friends.

Tributes

Bettye Jean Bragg

December 7, 1942 - March 2, 2023