Elder Edward Bratten Sr.

THE JOURNEY OF A PATRIARCH

Elder Edward Bratten Sr. 88, patriarch of the Bratten family and son of the late Laurence and Pearline Finney Bratten transitioned to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the home of his daughter, Lucinda with whom he lived.  Born July 21, 1933, in Girdletree, MD he was married for 62 years to Mother Olivia Ewell Bratten who preceded him in death on March 29, 2018. Their union was blessed with three children who cared for him diligently and faithfully, meeting his every need along with granddaughter Miracle Powell and other family members.

Elder Bratten received his formal education in the public schools of Worcester County.  As the youngest of twelve children, he was taught the value of hard work at an early age and often said he remembered working on the farm at 4 years old. Throughout his life he worked to provide for his family; and for many years his wife did not work outside the home. Prior to retirement from the Worcester County Board of Education he began a lawn care business, for people throughout Snow Hill and surrounding areas. He continued to provide lawn services through his 84th birthday.

Interests outside of work included a love for music, especially quartets and men’s groups and he also liked to play his guitar. His favorite hymn was “Old Rugged Cross” and in later years he enjoyed “If God is Dead” and “I Call you Holy.”  Many evenings would be spent listening to albums and records of James Cleveland, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Soul Stirrers, Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Blind Boys, and many others. His children listened to those albums and songs so much that even now they can sing along to those old songs even if they have not heard them for years. He loved doing things for the grandchildren especially when they were young.  He would pull them in the snow and acquired a go-kart so they could have some fun. His children had dreamed about the same thing for years and were more deserving, but it was made a reality for the grandchildren.

Elder Bratten was a member of St. John Holiness Church, Stockton, MD for over 65 years which is one of the churches of Glorious Mount Sinai Holy Church of America (GMS), which was established by his stepmother, the late Lizzie Lloyd Bratten. He would go on to serve in many capacities for GMS including Pastor of St. John for 22 years, Presiding Elder for GMS for 23 years, Sunday school and vacation bible school teacher. His service also included visiting the hospitals and nursing homes to offer prayer and taking communion to the sick and shut in. A man of great faith he would constantly tell us that “God is a non-failing God, there is no failure in him” and “it’s all right to be concerned but we shouldn’t worry.”

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Lawrence Jr., Paul, Charles, William, and Jesse Bratten and four sisters Mary Finney, Beulah Bratten, Catherine Bishop, and Mabel Johnson, son in-law Cleophous Powell, sister in-law Lillie Ewell and brother in-law Arthur Ewell.

Left to mourn his passing are his children Lucinda Bratten, Carmella Powell, and Edward (Felecia) Bratten Jr. Grandchildren Juan (Ivanna) Bratten, Gregory Bratten, Stanford Collins II, Miracle, Kareem, Samuel, and Nakia Powell, Ashley Snead, Tyshieka (Jeffery) Warren, Makhai Bratten and Chaka Jarmon. Great-grandchildren Demarieon, Latrez, Arthur, Juan II, Nyla, Trevon Jr., A’brielle, Brielle, and Imani; Sisters Elsie Yasin and Grace Williams, Sisters in law: Betty Connor and Mary Ewell, Brother in-law Howard Ewell, 1st cousin Gertrude Shockley, special nieces Phyllis Ewell and Maime Saunders and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 Ephesians 3:20

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

Silent Tears

Just close your eyes and you will see, all the memories that you have of me.

Just sit and relax and you will find, I’m really still there inside your mind.

Don’t cry for me now I’m gone, for I am in the land of song.

There is no pain, there is no fear, so dry away that silent tear.

Don’t think of me in the dark and cold, for here I am, no longer old.

I’m in that place that’s filled with love, known to you all, as “up above.”

Anonymous

Lovingly Submitted by the Family

NOTE:  Howell & Jolley Memorial Chapel, P.A. will comply with the COVID-19 rules regarding masks and safe social distancing. Therefore, anyone attending the viewing and/or funeral services must wear a mask. We will also take temperature upon entry.

Both funeral services will be live-streamed -Jolley Memorial Chapel PA, FACEBOOK page: http://www.facebook.com/jmcfc.live/ (Please copy address into browser)

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