Mrs. Celestine Scott Braxton

Educator, Civil Rights Activist and Community Servant Dies Celestine Scott Braxton, wife of Montford Point Marine Carroll W. Braxton, a Congressional Gold Medal recipient passed away on January 15, 2014 surrounded by her family. Celestine was born on January 26, 1926 in Ahoskie, North Carolina to the late Ada and Benjamin Scott. Upon graduation from C.S. Brown High School in 1944, Celestine attended Elizabeth City State Teacher's College to study Elementary Education. She graduated with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education in 1949. She moved to Manassas, Virginia to accept a teaching position with the county's school system in 1950. Celestine devoted the next 33 years to elementary and middle school students in Prince William County. She was among the second wave of African American teachers to integrate the county's teaching staff. During a time when African Americans could not attend most Virginia colleges and universities by state law, Celestine persevered in obtaining her Master's degree in Elementary Education from George Washington University in the District of Columbia in 1960. Her devotion to teaching and learning motivated her to continue post graduate studies at Catholic University, the University of Virginia and Virginia State College. On December 18, 1953, she married the love of her life, Carroll W. Braxton, of Manassas. To their union was born two children, Monique and Robert 'Bob'. Their son, Bob preceded her in death. Although heart-broken by his loss, Monique has been a source of pride and joy as a newscaster. In the early 1960's when Monique faced the prospect of attending kindergarten in segregated schools, Celestine filed a formal complaint, then convinced the Chamber of Commerce to integrate local schools and allow African Americans to be served at local restaurants and beauty salons. Because of her tenacity, Monique was the first African American kindergartner accepted by Manassas Presbyterian Church. She also integrated Baldwin Elementary school in Manassas. Celestine's bravery in advocating for human and civil rights was done at a time when local teachers were forbidden to do so and could be fired. Yet, she joined the Fairfax County Human Relations Committee, the NAACP and the Manassas Biracial Committee. Celestine represented her own school, Marsteller Junior High in the County Teacher's Roundtable. She was also the first African American elected as secretary to the Prince William Education Association . Her persistence in seeing that all be treated equally led Prince William County to open its doors to African Americans. In her journal, Celestine recalls how she joined others in test visits to a local restaurant and beauty salon to request service. At a local restaurant, Celestine says she and her principal, Russell Fincham were initially ignored. Several minutes passed before they were presented a handwritten menu: $55 for a roast beef dinner, $45 for a chicken dinner and $2 for a cup of coffee. They ordered coffee, paid by check, then stopped payment on the check. That restaurant went out of business. Celestine also wrote how she made a visit to Cut and Curl Beauty Salon with fellow teacher Lillian Porter. When refused service, they sent a letter to the salon's corporate headquarters in New York. On the next stop at Cut and Curl, both were served royally and invited to return. Celestine's husband , Carroll says shortly after, radio station WPRW announced all businesses and beauty parlors were open to African Americans. In April 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, Celestine requested and was granted permission to lead a moment of silence at Marsteller where she taught. Throughout her lifetime,Celestine dutifully served in leadership positions or volunteered in organizations such as the NAACP, American Legion Auxiliary Post # 114 , National Council of Negro Women, Jennie Dean Temple# 987 of the Elks, National Education Association, the Dorcases Ladies Club, the Prince William Hospital Auxiliary(Pink Lady), and Manassas Museum. At the Manassas Senior Center, Celestine designed the Black History Month program and regularly attended the 'Stand Tall, Don't Fall' fitness classes. At Cobblestone Assisted Living at Fairmont, she taught arts and crafts and led Bingo games. Celestine was also an essential team member of the Senior Bowlers. Her commitment to God's Work has been witnessed through more than 60 years of membership at the historic First Baptist Church in Manassas. Her ministries include the Deaconesses, Helping Hand Club, Marshall D. Williams Club, Scholarship Committee which she initiated, Senior Choir Spiritual Care Committee, and Women's Grace ministry. She also participated in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Albert E. Davis Circle and weekly Bible Study and Prayer. She treasured trips to the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Conventions, Area D Mission Group and the Northern Virginia Baptist Association. For 2 years, Celestine commuted to Philadelphia weekly to babysit her grandson, Shane Robert Braxton Fordham. When, he started school, Celestine enthusiastically returned to cheer for Shane in sports and encourage his scholastic achievements. Celestine leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her husband of 60 years, Carroll; her daughter, Monique; grandson, Shane; 2 sisters, Goldie Sharp (Rev. James) and Myrtle Dublin (Herb); a brother, Julius 'Betroy' Scott; and 4 godchildren, David Green, Dr. Devena Alston Johnson, Christopher Baylor, and Kristen Flick; plus a host of nephews,nieces, cousins and cherished friends. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Heart Association, First Baptist Church Building Fund, Prince William Hospital Auxillary, and the Guillian Barre` Foundation.