Phanelson Alphonso Braxton

Phanelson Braxton known to all his friends as Bennie Braxton was born on December 25, 1949 in Roanoke VA. Shortly thereafter his family moved to Washington, DC. Bennie stayed in the area and became a lifelong resident of the Washington Metro Area. As a child Bennie was drawn to the piano and at an early age, he displayed exceptional musical talent. While in high school he was invited to take music classes for young adults with outstanding musical ability at Howard University. Bennie graduated from Cardoza High School and went on to the University of the District of Columbia (known then as Federal City College). He graduated with a Musical Performance Degree. Bennie then joined Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers and toured with them. He performed on the Soul Searchers album “Salt of the Earth” which was released in 1974. After Bennie left the group, he started his own trio “The Bennie Braxton Entourage” and they successfully played in and around the Washington Metro Area for a few years. Bennie then decided to go out on his own. He became well known working in many local establishments playing his keyboards and singing nightly to appreciative crowds.

Bennie went on to further his education by receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology- Systems Management from The University of Maryland University College and then his Masters Degree in Library Sciences from the University of North Texas.

Not only was Bennie an excellent musician he was also a skilled Law Librarian. He worked for the law firms Reed Smith and Sughrue Mion for over 30 years.

Bennie had two hobbies that he loved. He was a proud member of the Gold Wing Road Riders and the Blue Knights. He rode his motorcycles whenever he could and spent many a weekend working on his bikes keeping them in tip top shape. Bennie also loved the water and later in life fulfilled his dream of owning a boat. Many weekends Bennie could be found navigating the Chesapeake Bay.

Bennie lived a long and fulfilling life and will be missed by his many friends and family. He is preceded in death by his mother Verda Belle Braxton and his father Alphonso Braxton. He leaves behind his wife Eileen Webb-Braxton, his two sons Jamal Braxton and Sean Braxton his daughter Samantha Braxton and his sister Elverda Braxton-Thomas.