Junius Braxton

Junius Braxton, 85, of Avondale, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, with his loving wife by his side, as God reclaimed His angel. Born and raised in Uptown New Orleans, Junius was the beloved son of the late Murphy Braxton and Alfonicia Hogan Braxton. He carried the spirit, pride, and resilience of his neighborhood throughout his life. He graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School in 1959, a milestone he was always proud of. In June of 1960, he married his lifelong partner, Zelda Mae Jenkins, beginning a devoted union that lasted more than six decades. Junius was a cherished brother to Virginia Catchings, the late Lawrence and James Braxton, and a devoted brother-in-law to Arthur and Annette Jenkins. Throughout his life, he was affectionately known by many names — Lil-Bro, BroNLaw, Brah, Pop, Dad, Grandpa, and Paw-Paw — each one reflecting the special relationship he shared with those who loved him. Junius was so good to everyone he met. He was a man of great integrity and generosity, a true jack-of-all-trades who never met a stranger. He always had words of encouragement for his cousins, friends, neighbors, and anyone blessed to cross his path. His kindness was effortless, and his presence made others feel seen, supported, and valued. Together, Junius and Zelda built a strong, loving family. He was the proud father of six children: James Kenneth (passed February 2009), Junius Murphy, Diedria, Antoinette, Paul Michael, Paulette Michelle. His children were his greatest joy, and he poured his heart into guiding, supporting, and loving them. He was also blessed with six grandchildren — Allison (Paul Wizzard), Vivian, Kaila, Ronesha, Alyssia (Antonio Miller) and Shiloh — each of whom brought him immense pride and happiness. Junius’ joy extended into another generation. He was the great-grandfather of six: Liam, Ndiasse (Jah Jah), Logan, Jaxson, Laila (Lae-Lae), and the most recent blessing, Halo. Each one added light to his life, and he cherished the chance to see his family grow. A hardworking and skilled mechanic, Junius dedicated more than 20 years to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) as a Maintenance Mechanic. Earlier in his career, he also worked with DensGate, Evans Cooperage, and Hooker Chemical, where he was respected for his reliability, craftsmanship, and strong work ethic. After several years J. Braxton Enterprise was established as a successful HVAC company servicing the greater New Orleans area. His lifelong passion for working on cars and machinery made him a natural fit for every role he held. Junius’ legacy lives on not only through his family but through the paths they have taken. His seeds have grown into careers in management at large warehouses, business ownership, social worker, medical, military, academics, and law — a testament to the values of hard work, determination, and integrity that he instilled in them. Through his encouragement and belief in their potential, his children have traveled to many states and countries, including the Bahamas, Japan, South Africa, Bristol (England), Turks & Caicos, Dubai, D.R., London, and Paris, carrying his spirit with them wherever they go. He was known for his generosity, quiet wisdom, and steady presence. His warm spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Junius’ memory will live on in the hearts of all those he loved and touched (nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and coworkers).