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1925
2016
Michelle Telfair Bratton, 90, died on September 10, 2016, at her home on Cypress Club Drive in Raleigh, with her family by her side.
She was born September 16, 1925, in Ticonderoga, New York to Samuel Fowle Telfair, Jr. of Raleigh, a professor at Fordham University, and Mary Constance Warren Telfair.
In 1942, she moved to Raleigh to attend St. Mary's College. She was an excellent student and graduated in the class of 1944. While attending St. Mary's, Michelle met John Bratton, Jr., a student at NC State College and an enlistee in the US Marine Corps. In October of 1944, they were married. Their marriage lasted 65 years until his death in December 2009.
Michelle was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh. She was an avid reader, a wonderful cook, and a lifelong swimmer. She loved to travel, especially to England. For many years she and John enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their beach home.
Through the years Michelle was a member of many organizations, including the Junior League of Raleigh and the Colonial Dames, serving as chair of the Wake County Committee. Her love of art led her to volunteer as a docent for the North Carolina Museum of Art. In 2005 Michelle was the Honorary Chair of the Terpsichorean Club's NC Debutante Ball.
She will be greatly missed by her six children: Michelle Bratton Parker and husband Alton Person Parker of Wrightsville Beach; John Randolph Bratton and wife Katherine Hunter Bratton; Lucy Bratton Doak and husband Hoyt Buchannan Doak, III of Chapel Hill; Theodore DuBose Bratton and wife Margaret Foerster Bratton; Jane Bratton Fleming and husband Lawrence Patrick Fleming, Jr. of Wilson; and Samuel Telfair Bratton and wife Cooper Parham Bratton.
She loved and enjoyed her thirteen grandsons, three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren: Alton Person Parker, Jr. and wife Tracey; John Bratton Parker; John Hunter Bratton; Joseph Clayton Wine and wife Heather; James Alexander Wine; Hoyt Buchannan Doak, IV and wife Josie; John Bratton Doak; Theodore DuBose Bratton, Jr. and wife Katie; Gabrielle Palmer Bratton and fiance' Ed Hall; Margaret Foerster Bratton; Lawrence Patrick Fleming, III; Alexander Telfair Fleming; John Bratton Fleming; Laura Thompson Bratton; Samuel Telfair Bratton, Jr.; and Malone Parham Bratton. Great-grandchildren: Alton Person Parker, III; John Bratton Parker, Jr.; Josephine Paxton Parker; Hoyt Buchanan Doak; and Kenneth Munroe Doak.
Two of Michelle's four siblings survive her: Mildred Badger Telfair and Constance Telfair O'Toole.
Michelle was preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Constance Bratton Grine, son in law William Bark Grine and two siblings; Alexander Austin Telfair and Catherine Telfair Enright.
The family would like to thank all of Michelle's caregivers, especially Paula Werk, Tosha Franks and Keisha Underdue for their love and care.
A funeral service will be held at Christ Church, 120 East Edenton St. at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. After the graveside service, the family will receive friends at the home of Margaret and Ted Bratton, 2730 Lakeview Drive.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 120 East Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27601 or Saint Mary's School, 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh.
7 Entries
September 22, 2016
Anthony Small
Mrs. Bratton and her family have always been so gracious and kind. I will truly miss Mrs. Bratton and her visits to the beach house. May God continue to bless this family and may her legacy live on in them. Thank you.
September 15, 2016
John O'Donnell
Michelle was a delight, loved & respected by friends & family alike. John O'Donnell
September 14, 2016
Rosalie Blowe
As a childhood friend of her daughter Michelle, I spent many hours at the Bratton home. "Big Michelle" as she was known by my mother and her friends, always welcomed me and acted in loco parentis.
She ha a long life and an amazing family. My thoughts are with them all.
September 14, 2016
It is a blessing Michelle lived a long life. May you find comfort from the words at Psalm 116:15
September 14, 2016
Kristin Christensen
To my St. Mary's classmate, Michelle, and the extended Bratton family, may the Lord bless you and keep you in the days to come as you feel the loss of the matriarch of your family with whom each of you must surely have had a special bond.
September 13, 2016
Condolences to the family.
1 Corinthians 15:26.
September 12, 2016
Chuck De Smet
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I have fond memories of Mrs. Bratton visiting with her while meeting with Mr. Bratton, at their home on several occasions. She was always gracious and made one feel at home.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Sep
14
at the home of Margaret and Ted Bratton
2730 Lakeview Drive, NC
Sep
14
11:00 a.m.
Christ Church
120 East Edenton St., NC
Sep
14
Oakwood Cemetery
NC
Funeral services provided by:
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605
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