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Kara Braxton
1983 - 2026
Kara Braxton
1983 - 2026
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Kara Braxton Obituary
Born February 18, 1983, in Jackson, Michigan, Braxton moved with her family to Oregon. She attended Westview High School in Portland, Oregon before becoming a standout collegiate athlete. She went on to play basketball for the University of Georgia Bulldogs from 2002 to 2004, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2002.
At 6-foot-6, Braxton was a formidable presence in the paint and a beloved figure among fans and peers alike. She was selected seventh overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock, launching a decade-long professional career spanning multiple teams and achievements. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in her debut season and helped the Shock secure WNBA championships in 2006 and 2008. Braxton also earned a WNBA All-Star selection in 2007. She also played for the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty before being waived in 2014.
Teammates and the league honored her legacy following the announcement of her death. The Liberty noted in a statement that her " presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women's game."
Off the court, Braxton was a devoted mother and wife. She is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and her two sons: Jelani Thurman, who played college football at Ohio State University and was part of the Buckeyes' 2024 national championship team, and Jream Jackson.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
16 Entries
Dooley Pender
Yesterday
I followed Kara from her days at Georgia until her retirement in 2014. She is one of my all time favorites in the WNBA, in the paint she could score with finesse and then rebound in beast mode! One of the all time great WNBA players
Julie K.
Yesterday
A beautiful heart and so deserving of all the happiness, respect and love she received. I will never forget her generosity and kindness towards all that she had met. Another death leaving me heartbroken. Rest in eternal peace Kara, God bless you and your loving family.
Cassandra Boston
February 28, 2026
Rest well Kara Braxton. You were such a wonderful mom. I was one of her youngest son pre-school teachers .Condolences to the family.
Cassandra Boston
Theon
February 27, 2026
Sincere condolences to Kara Mother, Children, and her siblings, I'm so sorry for your loss, strength and love.
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Wanda Terrell
February 27, 2026
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I pray God will give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
L. Cleveland
February 27, 2026
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Phyllis D Young
February 27, 2026
Kara Braxton. My favorite shock player. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My shock forever.
Phyllis Young
Mr. Jr.
February 27, 2026
My condolences to the family, ecclesiastic tells us unforeseen occurrences before us all, so sorry that you had to experience this.
Lonniya Bragg
February 26, 2026
As we mourn the loss of another young legend, I want to extend my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Kara Braxton. May God give you strength and understanding during this very difficult time! R.I.P. Kara!
Kenneth
February 26, 2026
This is just unbelievable, my sincere condolences and prayers to the family on such a bright life that has left us so soon. RIP Kara Braxton. I know you will be truly missed by all who knew you.
Lee boles
February 26, 2026
To the gaming sorry for your loss she was a great friend I knew her for a couple of years while I work it she comes into the store we always talk. I also know her husband. She will be truly missed and I seen her all week that she took her son to North Carolina to transfer to school up there and that was the last week I seen her until we meet again
Tina Burke
February 25, 2026
I worked with Karas mother in Jackson Michigan in 2008. We were nurses and she was the one who introduced me to Kara by inviting me to one of her games in Detroit while she played for the Detroit Shocks. Such a fun time and I was so honored to meet her. RIP angel. Condolences to her family.
M. Bradley
February 25, 2026
Condolences and prayers to her family.
Anne (Montre) Lusk
February 24, 2026
My condolences to Kara's family. I was one of Kara's teachers during her freshman year at Jackson High School, Jackson, MI. She was both an excellent student and athlete. I was so proud when she went on to play Division 1 basketball and then when she was drafted into the WNBA. A WNBA championship placed her team on the front of a Wheaties cereal box. I purchased that cereal box and proudly displayed it in my classroom until I retired in 2019. Every first day of a new trimester/semester, as I gave an introduction to about my classroom, etc, I would point out the box and ask my students if they knew who was on the box. Then I would ask the class "What are you doing today so that you are the next student of mine to appear on a Wheaties box?" RIP Kara - I fondly remember that you were one of a few female students that was actually was taller than me and how we joked about that.
annalee robinson
February 24, 2026
Beautiful Angel RIP we will always love you my condolence to family friends god bless you so sorry
Diane Harrison
February 24, 2026
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you all what you need in your time of sorrow.
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