Dorothy J Bracken

September 9, 1938 - September 14, 2018

Dorothy Jean Joyner Bracken was born September 9, 1938, in Columbia, South Carolina, and went home to be with her Lord on Friday, September 14, 2018. She was the fifth of nine children born to the late Ernest Joyner and the late Hattie Woodson Joyner Cagle. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Dorothy briefly resided in New York. Upon her return to Columbia, Dorothy met Sgt. Bennie Bracken, her true love. In November 1961, they were united inn matrimony at Bethlehem Baptist Church, becoming the proud parents of a son, Frank, and a daughter, Kim. Although she worked with, and eventually retired from, the South Carolina State Mental Hospital, Dorothy excelled in the domestic arts; her primary focus was always her home and family. Taking great interest and pride in her children and grandchildren, Dorothy believed her most rewarding years were those spent raising her family. Dorothy specially enjoyed preparing and cooking nutritious meals for her family and friends. She knew all the secret ingredients and special techniques to turn an ordinary meal into a sumptuous feast and will be remembered for her Red Velvet cake. She also enjoyed unsung her computer skills for her grandchildren and opened her home to her brother Harry, a frequent houseguest. A dedicated community activist, Dorothy was an Eastern Star and served with various civic organizations: VFW; Garden Club; Food Pantry; Clothes Closet; Pastor's Aid; and as a Trustee's wife. In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by two sisters: Sherria Bookert and Helen Bibby; and two brothers: Major Ernest Joyner and Frank Joyner. She leaves to cherish precious memories her beloved husband, Sgt (Ret.) Bennie Bracken; two children: Frank (Sanette) Bracken and Kimberly Bracken; three grandchildren: Princess Davis (Antonio) Telford, Gregory (Ashley) Davis, and Dwight Davis; three great-grandchildren: Zy'Eriah Davis, Ja'Vion Douglas Telford, and Antonio Telford, Jr.; four siblings: Betty Vereen, Harry Joyner, Arthur (Michelle) Joyner, and James (Caroll) Joyner; two sisters-in-law: Arlene Joyner and Queene Joyner; a brother-in-law, James Allen Bracken; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.