Thomas T. Braxton, Jr. "Buster"

Thomas T. Braxton, Jr., affectionately known as Buster, began his journey on November 23, 1927, in Washington, DC. He was born into a family of twelve children to the late Thomas T. Sr. and Mary Louise Braxton. He peacefully departed this life at the age of 97 years old on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He lived his life as a testament to his Christian beliefs, thus receiving salvation on January 9, 2008, during a homegoing service for his nephew, the late Kenneth E. McManus Jr. Thomas attended Armstrong Technical High School, one of two High Schools in Washington, DC, that only African Americans could attend. Currently, that school houses the Friendship Armstrong Academy Public Charter School. He was married to the late Audrey Yates Braxton; from that union, they had four children: Joseph (deceased), Peggy, Thomas (deceased), and Alva. Thomas was employed at the Government Printing Office (GPO) in Washington, D.C., as a Chief Printing Specialist until his retirement in 1980. He served heroically as a World War II Veteran of the United States Army. Serving during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, for which he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal of Japan. He is presently listed on the Honor Roll of Charter Member of the National WWII Museum. He will be remembered for his remarkable gift of spreading joy, love, wisdom, and laughter… be it through a joke, a song, a story, or a dance. We are all familiar with the dance called “The Uncle Buster”. He always had a way of making everyone laugh and smile. Yes, we will remember his quick wit, but most of all his unwavering generosity and love for his family and friends. His vibrant personality matches his love for sports, bowling, carpentry work, music (jazz), cooking, dancing, and especially fishing with his brothers, nephews, and friends. He never missed a chance to cheer on his favorite football team, “The Washington Redskins/Commanders”. He leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Alice Jones; two daughters Peggy Braxton Holland and Alva Braxton; seven grandchildren: LaVette Howard-Smith, Mickey Bonner(deceased), Crystal Holland, Winfield Holland Jr, Ikea Braxton, Desmond Rowe, and Dominic Rowe; five great grandchildren: Jo’Van Howard, Jasmyn Howard, Shayla Bonner, Jordan Bonner, Phileke Holland; and five great great grandchildren Jayceon Bonner, Jett Bonner, Isaiah Taylor, Amir Braxton, and one expected in three months. He also leaves to cherish his memories his loving neighbor, friend Jessie Thaxton, and his loving healthcare aide, Doreen Berry, plus a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Tributes

Thomas T. Braxton, Jr. "Buster"

November 23, 1927 - July 1, 2025