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Mark Brax Obituary
A life taken way too early in a tragic accident, he was loved and cherished by all his family and friends. Wesley died Saturday, April 14, 2012. Born in Columbia, he was a son of Robert Harri Brax and Mary Beth Sims Branham. He attended Lexington and A.C. Flora High schools and graduated from the S.C. Governor's School for Arts and Humanities. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University with a Bachelor's of Music in Vocal Performance, Magna Cum Laude. In addition, he was pursuing a Master's of Music in Voice from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Wesley recently performed as the bass soloist for CCM's performance of Bach's Matthaus-Passion and premiered a solo work at the Midwest Composers Symposium. While at FSU, he participated in several operas in both ensemble and leading capacities. Wesley has received honors from the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Palm Beach Opera, Opera Birmingham and the Southeastern Regional NATS Auditions. Wesley spent the summer of 2011 as a Vocal Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Mass. and was invited back to Tanglewood for 2012. He was the baritone soloist for the performance of Handel's Messiah at St. Peters Catholic Church and Washington Street United Methodist Church. He was also a vocalist in St. Joseph's choir, Shandon United Methodist choir and various other churches in Tallahassee and Cincinnati. He recently received the honor of grand prize winner of the student category in the National Orpheus Vocal Competition. A devoted Catholic, one of the highlights of his life was to sing with the FSU University Singers at the Vatican for the Pope.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his stepmother, Sharon Brax; brothers, Daniel Branham of Columbia, Craig Archer (Kim) of Augusta, Ga., Chris Cooper (Lindsay) of Lexington; uncles, Lana Sims (Ann), Ted Sims (Allison), Russ Brax (Debbie), Don Brax (Jennifer); aunts, Cathy Phenix (David), Debbie Hacek (Jack); maternal grandmother, Priscilla Sims of Columbia; paternal grandparents, Caryl Brax of Cary, Ill., Harri Brax of Panama City, Fla.
Memorials may be made to the S.C. Governor's School for Arts and Humanities, 15 University St., Greenville, SC 29601; or for a Vocal Scholarship honoring Wesley, The FSU Foundation, Office of the Dean, College of Music, Florida State University, Housewright Music Building, P.O. Box 3061180, Tallahassee, FL 32306.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Brax
Maurice Jackson
July 1, 2012
I am just finding out about this. I knew Wesley from middle and Lexington High School what a great person. He had an amazing baritone voice .. I remember hearing him in choir rehearsal with Mr. Calloway. I send my deepest condolences and pray that God grants your family peace and comfort.
May 2, 2012
To all of Wesley's family,
Although you don't know me, I have been touched by your tragic loss through knowing and loving Caryl here in Cary.
She spoke of him so many times, I feel like I knew him just a little bit. He was a fine young man, and you all can be proud that he was part of you and yours.
Fondly,
Connie Mann
April 24, 2012
Robbie and Sharon,
Our hearts go out to you in your time of need. Nothing is like the loss of a child and it hurts to even write this because as a young man you can only imagine what his later years would have been like, but you can be proud of the man he had become. Just reading the articles it seems he had blossomed to a very respected and talented individual; far from when we were kids at Mema's lakehouse :) I will remember him always with a smile on his face and a contagious laugh. Our prayers are with you. I'm sure Mema is already showing him the ropes walking him around and taking him under her wing. We love you.
Tivoli, Cindy and Ysabel Tipton
Roger and Juanita Glass
April 20, 2012
Mary Beth, our hearts are so sad for you and yours. I do know, though, that in time you will be left with wonderful memories of a fine, and well-loved young man. You are all in our prayers.
Bob, Connie & Josh Page
April 19, 2012
Mary Beth & Daniel, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Bill Canaday
April 19, 2012
Mary Beth & Robbie, you are continually in my thoughts and prayers these difficult days as you travel through these deep waters. It is inspiring to see what your son accomplished with his prodigious talent and gentle spirit in such a short lifetime. May we all live the rest of our lives with such passion!
Marion Campbell
April 19, 2012
Our deepest condolences Mary Beth and Robbie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marion and Kassie Campbell.
in HIS hands
Denise Bell
April 19, 2012
To Caryl Brax: Caryl I was heart broken when I heard. Beth and I were remembering all the years you spoke so fond of him. He was a blessing to you and I know you were to him as you are to all of us who worked at Sally. My prayers are with your entire family.
Psalm 61:4 - I will dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah
Love, Denise Bell
April 19, 2012
To Caryl Brax: Caryl I was heart broken when I heard. Beth and I were remembering all the years you spoke so fond of him. He was a blessing to you and I know you were to him as you are to all of us who worked at Sally. My prayers are with your entire family.
Psalm 61:4 - Iwill dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah
Kenneth Murphy, II
April 19, 2012
Wes, I am very thankful for our friendship and will miss you dearly. Always a kind spirit blessed with a talented voice. My prayers are thoughts go out to your family. God bless you, WB-D
Susan Hacek
April 19, 2012
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for you loss.
The Hammers
April 19, 2012
We never had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Mark Brax but it would have been an honor. A wonderful young man inside and out. What we read about Mark's life is beautiful.
Our prayers are with all who Love's Mark.
Heaven must sound much more beautiful now.
Ellen Jennings
April 18, 2012
Please know Jake and I have your family in our prayers. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
April 18, 2012
Mary Beth, I am so very sorry. Our son is a year older than yours, and I just can't imagine how you are coping with the shock and pain. Our thoughts are with you.
Trish Jerman
Dean Mooring
April 18, 2012
Robbie, I never got the chance to meet Wesley, but I've heard a lot of good things about him. You and your family are in my prayers. May God bless you in your time of need.
Angie Logan
April 18, 2012
Mary Beth, Please know that all of your friends are praying for you and your family. Wesley was an extraordinary young man and will be greatly missed.
Christine Cole
April 18, 2012
Mary Beth, Please know that I am thinking about you, Daniel and the rest of the family during this most difficult time. May God's love and the love of those around you help you during the days to come.
Frank Cox
April 18, 2012
Was impressed to hear and meet Wesley at a recent Opera Guild meeting in Columbia. I complemented him esp. for his excellent diction while singing, which he appreciated.
April 18, 2012
Mary Beth you and your family are in my prayers.
Laura Frost
Sherry beckSherryBeck
April 18, 2012
We are always sadden at the death of a young person
RIP young man
Quality Inn Fort Jackson
Cindy Powell
April 18, 2012
Heartfelt sympathy extended to family and dear friends... young life now cradled in God's loving arms. My thoughts now reflect back on Wesley's sweet cherub face while attending Eastminister's 4&5K with Kathryn. May all receive comfort and strength from our Father in the days,months and years to follow.
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