Harriet Elizabeth Braxton

The Obituary Harriet Elizabeth Mitchell Braxton, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, was born to the late Odessa and Floyd Mitchell on July 18, 1926. After the death of her parents, Harriet was raised in a strict religious home by her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Sallie Barnes, and her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Cora Mitchell. Later, she moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her aunt, Rose Lee Robinson, where she attended Camp Curtin Junior High School and graduated from William Penn High School in 1945. On November 15, 1947, she married Paul A. Braxton, and seven children were born from that union. She said that she learned patience and understanding from Paul. Harriet had a strong love and dedication to her children and believed a mother’s love at times is surpassed by children’s love. Also, during this union, Harriet and Paul joined Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Harriet was very athletic and enjoyed all sports. She played tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer and ran track. She believed that through sports, you learned the most important lessons in life—discipline, responsibility, winning and losing. She worked in city government for forty-plus years and always made things happen. In 1968, Harriet became the first African American woman to serve as a Housing Inspector in the City of Harrisburg. She was also the first African American woman to be appointed to the Dauphin County Democratic Jury Commission in 1995. She began her involvement in the community as a member of the Uptown Civic Association which provided her the opportunity to involve herself in the political process. On October 12, 1982, Harriet was elected to serve on the Harrisburg City Council and was re-elected in 1984 and 1988, serving as Vice President of the Harrisburg City Council in 1990. As a member of the Harrisburg City Council, Harriet served as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee. She also served as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee, the Community and Economic Development Committee, the Public Works Committee and the Public Safety Committee. Because of her commitment and dedication to the citizens of Harrisburg, a playground was named in her honor. The playground, located on the corner of Seventh and Maclay Streets, is named the Braxton Playground. Harriet loved this playground and made sure that the City of Harrisburg kept the equipment up-to-date and the playground maintained. Harriet strongly believed in the political process and understood that politics and politicians control almost all we do and all that is done for us. She encouraged everyone to get involved and vote. Harriet had various hobbies but what she loved most was taking pictures. As an amateur photographer, she received numerous awards for her work. She also received many accolades and awards for her leadership, dedication and service to the community and civic organizations. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, November 6, 2011, Harriet departed this life. She is survived by a loving husband, Paul; six daughters, Paula, Rosemary (Nathaniel), Harriet (Bernard), Julia, Regina, Diana (Johnnie); one son, Paul (Joann); eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; cousins and a host of other family members and friends.

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Harriet Elizabeth Braxton

July 18, 1926 - November 6, 2011