Bratton, Laura Alfreda, age 81, of Knoxville, died Sunday, February 12, 2012 of heart failure. As long as her health permitted, she was an active and loving member of Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. She was born to Bob and Veala Stovall of Blytheville, Arkansas. She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Edward Bratton of Knoxville; her son-in-law and daughter, Fred and Laura Glogger of Ocala, Florida; sons, Robert Bratton of Knoxville, William Bratton of Louisville, KY, and James Bratton of Crossville. Her grandchildren are William T. Bratton and Blake Gabriel Bratton of Louisville, KY; Shaylee Grace Bratton, Miranda Hope Bratton, and Edward Boone Bratton of Knoxville; Hannah Elizabeth Bratton, James Edward Bratton, Irelyn Alfreda Bratton, and Ava Olivia Bratton of Crossville. Alfreda grew up in and around Number Nine, Arkansas, almost always riding a horse (or mule) to school through cotton fields where she later passed out voter registration materials to working field hands. She attended Central
College and the University of Arkansas. She was a certified volunteer for CONTACT, helping latch-key children and shut-ins in the Knoxville area. For many years, she was an efficient and multitalented volunteer Girl Friday at annual conventions of the South Atlantic Modern Language Association in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and the District of Columbia, where she was also a superb and gracious hostess to internationally distinguished poets, novelists, scholars, actors, and directors. She possessed a brilliantly common touch in interacting with those of uncommon intellect and talent. She died as she lived, with an abundance of grace and gumption. The family will receive friends, Thursday, February 16, 2012 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, located at 6321 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Condolences may be offered at www.sherwoodchapel.net.
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February 16, 2012
Claudia Montgomery
Our sympathy goes out to Mr. Bratton and family. Alfreda was a wonderful woman who touched many lives. She will be missed.
February 16, 2012
I was sorry to hear about Mrs.Bratton,she was a dear sweet lady.My sincere condolences to the family.
Newman Seay
February 16, 2012
Robert,Will and James
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She will be deeply missed. She was a very loving,caring and giving person.
Mike Thornton
February 16, 2012
Donna Sherwood
Ed, I am so very sorry for your loss. Emily Dickinson has been haunting me since I heard: "Because I could not stop for death he kindly stopped for me." Somehow I see Alfreda here.
February 15, 2012
Krista Dishner
Robert, Shaylee, Miranda and Boone I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in the wonderful memories you shared! I will be praying for you and your family.
Krista Mccrary Dishner
February 15, 2012
Russ Hirst
Dear Ed,
May God's comfort be with you and your family at this time of loss and grief.
February 15, 2012
I never had the pleasure of meeting Alfreda but heard her praises sung by many of my associates. The things I have heard tell me she was an intelligent, articulate, caring person. She was a life long member of the Democratic Women of Knoxville organization, and we could always count on her moral support as well as any financial support needed for our community projects. She will be missed by many. Suzanne Coile
February 15, 2012
Vickie Templin
Robert,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Vickie Templin (Wyndham)
February 15, 2012
Kim Isenberg
My most sincere condolences.
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