Mrs. Braswell died on January 4, 2020 in Nacogdoches, Texas after a long illness. She was born October 21, 1934 in Southern Rusk Co., the third child of Marlin and Chlotilde Matlock Willis. She married Ronald E. Braswell in 1991, and he survives her.
She was a graduate of Cushing High School, Memorial Hospital Nurse’s Aide and L.V.N Nursing School. She graduated from Nacogdoches Business College and attended SFA. She worked at Memorial Hospital as an aide, and a L.V.N. Nurse. She served as O.R. and E.R. supervisor during some of this time. After completing Business College, she spent several years working in all the business offices at Memorial Hospital. She also did accounting, secretarial, and clerical work for Bramco, Inc., Moore Business Forms, Fredonia State Bank, SFA, and Schmidt’s Department Store. She was the owner of Braswell Antiques and Collectables. In later years she attended classes at Memorial, took the state board, and obtained her E.M.T. license.
Aletha enjoyed growing flowers and enhancing her yard with trees and shrubs. She was instrumental in the beginning of the planting of new pecan trees at Pecan Acres Park. Before Aletha’s health deteriorated, walking was on her priority list of things to do each day. She enjoyed the Lanana Creek Trail, the Pecan Acres Park, and the SFA Azalea Gardens.
Aletha attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and when she was no longer able to drive, a dedicated Deacon and Priest came to bring her communion each week. She also enjoyed the Lamplighter Theater productions and always admired all the local talent.
She enjoyed doing things for her family members and tried to spend quality time with them. She is survived by sons Marlin Timothy Rodrigues and wife Lisa, James Terry Rodrigues and wife Donna, John Alfred Rodrigues and wife Regina; stepsons, Steven Braswell, Scott Braswell and wife Beth; Justin Hight (Caitlin) and James Hight (Anna); nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sisters, Sybil Wade and Juanice Rawlinson; brothers, Danny M. Willis and wife Joyce and Darvis Willis and wife Evelyn.
Aletha is preceded in death by her parents; son, Malcolm Alan Rodrigues; brothers, Glen H. Willis, Kenneth M. Willis and infant baby bother Willis; sister, Dorothy F. Rawlinson; sister-in-law, Sandy Willis and E. Dean Rawlinson.
Aletha requested to be cremated and a private inurnment will be at a later date. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel with the Elder Zach Martin officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.
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