She was born on March 20,1955 in Cary, North Carolina to the late Cecil and Louise Allen. She attended Cary High School where she graduated as one of three valedictorians and where she ultimately met her husband, Bill. She then graduated in 1977 from Meredith College, Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Cecilia’s marriage to Bill was marked by love, laughter, and fervent dedication to each other despite a 20 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Teaching was truly her life’s calling. She spent over 30 years as an elementary school teacher in public and private school classrooms. She ended her teaching career at Covenant Day School in Matthews, North Carolina in 2011. Her passion for academics carried over to her two children and grandchild as she ensured that each one received a superb education focused on Jesus and academic excellence.
In addition to teaching Jesus to the children in her classroom, Cecilia also faithfully served Jesus alongside her husband in Sunday school for 30 years at Carmel Baptist Church.
In her free time, Cecilia enjoyed taking care of her home, gardening, shopping, spending quality time with her family and friends, and traveling to Charleston, South Carolina.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Joseph William “Bill” Braswell; two children, daughter Lauren Elizabeth Gardner (husband, John Charles Gardner and grandson, Charles William Gardner, "Charlie") of Myrtle Beach, SC; son William Scott Braswell of Charlotte; and brother, Steve Allen of Raleigh. She adored her role as grandmother ("CeeCee") and always did her best to find special ways to love on Charlie.
A visitation for Cecilia will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227. Cecilia will be laid to rest at a private burial following the funeral.
Family has requested that all floral arrangements be sent to the funeral home (see address above). Memorial gifts may be sent to the National MS Society of America in Cecilia's honor.
Online condolences can be made to the Braswell family at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
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