10/09/2025
Missionary Sandra Jane Colmore Braxton celebrated her life journey and transitioned to her eternal reward on October 1, 2025. Born on June 18, 1947, she was one of the cherished daughters of the late Roma L. Colmore, Sr. and Deaconess Hannah Williams Colmore. She had a special bond with her twin sister, Muriel Colmore Liggon, and was the fifth of six beloved children. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Reverend Roma L. Colmore, Jr., Muriel C. Liggon, and Jeanne L. Colmore. She was married to the late Kenneth E. Braxton, Sr., in 1968.
Missionary Braxton’s educational journey began at Central High School in Amherst, Virginia, where she excelled academically, athletically, and musically. She was a pretty good women’s basketball player and musician in high school. Furthering her education, she was a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Phillips Business College in Lynchburg, VA, earning her credentials as a Medical Secretary. Her impressive career included 18 years as a Clerk Typist for Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation and 15 years as an Administrative Clerk at Grace Lodge Nursing Home. She retired from Prayer of Faith Temple as the Administrative Assistant to Bishop Jonathan G. Willis in 2017.
Missionary Braxton loved the Lord and the work of the church. A true servant-leader, she was a life-long member of Rose Chapel Baptist Church in Madison Heights, VA. Following the call on her life, she joined Prayer of Faith Temple in 1970, eager to make a difference. She gladly accepted the opportunities to humbly serve administratively under Bishop Norton B. Wilder, Bishop Levi E. Willis, Sr., Pastor James Garner, and Bishop Jonathan G. Willis. Her joyful spirit shone through her sweet soprano voice in the Voices of Victory Choir. For more than 45 years, she devoted herself to serving as the Church Clerk and Recording Secretary, and she touched many lives by teaching the Beginners class in Sunday School. She willingly engaged with the Pastor’s Aide, Young People Willing Workers, and Crusade for Christ groups, and the nursing home ministry, contributing over a decade of her time and energy. Her dedication extended to many committees, including the Kitchen Committee and the New Edifice Building Committee, and she proudly chaired the Pastor's and Church anniversaries for many years. Her exceptional commitment earned her multiple honors, including the Lillian Chambers Woman of the Year Award and the Norton B. Wilder Legacy Award. She also served in multiple capacities in the Greater Western District, with her final assignment being the treasurer under Superintendent George Bond.
In 2005, Missionary Braxton was bestowed the honor of becoming a licensed missionary and later appointed to serve on the Mother’s Board at Prayer of Faith Temple, solidifying her lifelong dedication to faithful service.
Missionary Braxton leaves behind a loving legacy and fond, fun memories with her three children: Sherri Braxton, Pastor Kenneth Braxton, II, Sonya Braxton Panzo and a devoted son
in-love, Samuel Panzo, Sr. A deeply devoted brother and sister in-love, Sylvester and Eloise Colmore, and a loving sister, Gwendolyn Foster (Lewin). A devoted caregiver and friend in her sister in-love, Nelzena Wood (Charlie); brother in-love, Nelson Braxton; sister in-love, Patricia Braxton; sister in-love, Linda Braxton, brother in-love, Wylace Liggon, Sr., sister in-love and long-time friend for over 60 years, Phyllis E. Braxton; devoted friend and co-laborer, Assistant State Supervisor, Amelia Boyd. She cherished all her nieces and nephews. Her loving connection to her devoted niece, Bretee Liggon, was a testament to her immeasurable love for her twin, Muriel. Her heart was further warmed by her role as a grandmother to Micah Braxton, Samuel, Salena, Samson and Samirah Panzo, and as a great-grandmother to the adorable Kole, Noah, and Ryleigh Grace Braxton. She leaves beautiful memories behind to be shared with her many devoted cousins, friends, caregivers, co-laborers in the Lord’s work, and spiritual sons and daughters.
Throughout her life, Missionary Braxton (Emeritus) was a passionate prayer warrior, steadfast in her mission for the Lord. She boldly fought the good fight until her peaceful transition in the early morning hours, embodying strength, grace, and resilience. Even in sickness, she was able to slightly lift her hand to still sing “Yes Lord” as she listened to the licensing service during the VA 3rd Jurisdiction’s Convocation 2025. Her legacy is one of love, humility, imperfections, Godly wisdom, leadership, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A homegoing celebration will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Prayer of Faith Temple. Mrs. Braxton will be on view 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Forest Hill Burial Park. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.
