Obituary of Cecelia Justina Brathwaite

Cecelia Justina Brathwaite, 73, affectionately known as “CeCe”, was born on January 13, 1943 in Atlantic City, New Jersey to the late Evans and Justina Brathwaite. She was a lifelong resident of Atlantic City where she attended the local public schools and graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1961. She departed this life on Saturday, November 12, 2016 surrounded by her family. Cecelia was a lifelong member of Hamilton Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlantic City where she served on the Membership Committee. She was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever there was a need. Her favorite hymns were “Blessed Assurance” and “I Surrender All”, her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. Cecelia was formerly employed at The Cookie Factory, the Lexington Avenue Playground, the former New Jersey Avenue School, Resorts Casino, the One Stop Career Center and was lastly employed as a receptionist at the Atlantic County Civil Courthouse, from which she officially retired as of August 2016. Cecelia loved to shop with her daughters at Boscovs and was particularly fond of purchasing “knick knacks” and arranging them on the front lawn early in the morning and before leaving home to go anywhere. Upon her return, she again had to make sure they were arranged just right. Cecelia loved to cook, and was famous for her fried chicken, fried fish and potato salad. Her favorite colors are gold and white, and she especially loved leopard print. Whenever purchasing a gift for Cecelia, family and friends knew to buy something with leopard print! Cecelia had a heart for those in need and donated generously to various charities. For her 70th birthday, Cecelia’s children honored her with a surprise party at the Cologne Fire Hall. The theme was “Better Than Gold”. She had a great time celebrating with family and friends, who had the opportunity to pay tribute to her with words of love and encouragement and recalling fond memories. Cecelia is predeceased by her parents, Evans and Justina Brathwaite; two grandchildren, Mark L. Brathwaite, Jr. and Jordan Duncan; a sister, Evelyn Brathwaite; a brother, Joseph T. Brathwaite; and sister Enid B. Smith. Cecelia is survived by her loving children, SFC Bernard W. Brathwaite (Ret.) of Laurel, Maryland.; Carmella Duncan of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, Brian E. Brathwaite of Absecon, New Jersey, Mark L. Brathwaite also of Absecon, New Jersey, LaTanya Brathwaite of Pleasantville, New Jersey, and DeAnna Brathwaite Mays (Rev. Anthony) also of Pleasantville, New Jersey; her siblings, Lorraine Perkins of Atlantic City, Charles E. Brathwaite (Nina) also of Atlantic City, Oseea N. Brathwaite (Sallie) of Absecon, and Iliene Blake of Atlantic City; 19 grandchildren, with one expected in February; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.