Laurene Braden

Laurene Braden, age 84, passed away peacefully around her family at her home at 5:55 on Friday, July 18, 2014. Laurene is predeceased by her parents, Oliver Holmes, Jr. and Margaret Marie Holmes; and her siblings Oliver Holmes III, Gwendolyn Dawson, Alan Holmes. Laurene is survived by her loving husband, John Braden of 64 years. They were married in Acipco Baptist Church on September 15, 1950. Laurene is lovingly remembered by her husband, John Braden; her son, Johnny Braden (Marcie Braden); her daughter, Diane Braden Hunter (Randy Hunter); her grandchildren, Merissa Laite (Luther Laite), Andrea Joyner (Paul Joyner), Ceci Vaughn (Adam Vaughn), Jeremy Hunter (Rebekah Hunter), and Brock Hunter; and her six great-grandchildren; and her brother, Eugene Holmes. Laurene was born on June 14, 1930, at Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1949 and attended Samford University. She volunteered as a pink lady for 21 years at Baptist Medical Center and was a pianist for South Roebuck Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was crowned Mrs. Senior Jefferson County in 1998. Laurene enjoyed playing the piano, judging beauty pageants, cooking and singing. The visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham AL 35235 on Monday, July 21, 2014 from 11am until 12pm. The funeral service will be held in the Chapel at 12pm with Reverend Clinton Wood officiating. Internment to follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to South Roebuck Baptist Church. Jefferson Memorial directing.