Valree Brailsford

Valree Eugene "V.E." Brailsford, 84, longtime resident, educator and civic leader of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2015 in Abilene.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel with Shane J. Mushonga officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be held Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Mr. Brailsford was born in Burkeville, Texas on August 16, 1930. He grew up in Burkeville, graduated from Wiergate High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He enrolled in Prairie View A & M College. While working a summer job at the saw mill, he sustained a serious injury to his hands which kept him hospitalized for more than two years. He demonstrated extraordinary determination, grit and perseverance in overcoming his injuries. He returned to Prairie View A & M after he recovered from his injuries and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Library Science in 1953. He later earned a Masters in Education Administration from Prairie View A & M. He also attended Oregon State University for Post Graduate studies.

He moved to Abilene in 1954 for his job as Librarian at Woodson High School. He returned to Burkeville in 1965 to work for his father as Federal Programs Coordinator. In this position he established Head Start and other Title I federal programs in the school system. He was hired as principal of Wiergate High School after his father passed in 1967. As principal, he was an influential leader in integrating the White Burkeville School and the Black Wiergate School. Because of his leadership and professionalism, he was selected to be the principal of the integrated Burkeville High School. A rare and unusual achievement in the State of Texas during this period.

In 1972 Mr. Brailsford was recruited to come back to Abilene. He turned down an offer to become superintendent of the Burkeville Independent School District and accepted the position of Associate Principal at Cooper High School, a position he held until he retired in 1992. He served 38 consecutive years in the public schools of Texas, 31 of those years in Abilene.

He married Billie P. Hickman, in 1968. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather to their children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He adored them and always wanted them around. God and the Church was always an important part of his life. He was a devout Christian who accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Luke Baptist Church in Burkeville. He was ordained as a Deacon at Mount Hope Baptist Church in 1969. He united with Mount Zion Baptist church when he returned to Abilene. He served as Deacon, Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader until his health failed.

He was a community leader and was always involved in civic activities wherever he resided. He organized Burkeville Community and led the effort to increase voter participation which resulted in the election of the first Black elected board member to the Burkeville school board. As President of the Abilene NAACP Chapter, membership increased to about 150 members and the organization had a significant and positive impact on the community. He also served on Abilene ISD School Board and was an officer in the local Democratic party. He also served as the housing authority commissioner.

Mr. Brailsford was proud of the young people whom he taught and mentored. Many of his students and protégés are doctors, lawyers, educators, and business leaders throughout the state and nation. Throughout his life he was an example to those who believed that "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." The last few years of his life, Valree faced the trials of a prolonged illness, but like the strong, sturdy stock of a family, of which he will always be a part, he fought for life valiantly with his wife of 47 years, the Lord blessed him with strength and courage in the midst of his illness.

Survivors include his wife Billie; his children, Artie Brailsford of Fort Worth TX., Cecil Land of Jasper, TX., Karen Land of San Antonio, TX; sister Glodean Cooper of Beaumont, TX; brother, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Marvin Brailsford and wife June of Beaumont TX; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Artie and Geneva Brailsford; his brother Alfred Brailsford; sisters, Dorothy Samuel, Artie Mae Brailsford and Gwendolyn Brailsford.

It is with heartfelt gratitude the family of Mr. Valree Brailsford acknowledges each condolence, each comforting expression and each gesture of love. The family especially acknowledges and thanks Hendrick Hospice for their compassion and care of Val and the family. The family also wishes to thank the North 10th and Treadaway Church of Christ family for their love and support.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Monday, July 27, 2015
6:00-8:00 PM

Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606