Elsworth Braswell

DEACON ELSWORTH SMITH BRASWELL (JACK)

Elsworth Smith Braswell was born on August 29, 1937 in Nash County, Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the late Jasper Braswell, Sr. and Cherry Smith Braswell. He departed this earthly life on November 19, 2025 at his home in Cumming, Georgia.

Elsworth (Jack) was educated in the City Schools of Rocky Mount, NC and graduated from The Booker T. Washington High School in 1955. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy. After serving four years of service he was honorably discharged. Jack moved to Washington, DC to stay with his older brother, Jasper, to find employment. This is where he met and married Anita Louise Plater on February 16, 1963. From this union a daughter, Lisa Darlene Braswell Nash was born.

He being raised in the church and his wife, knew they needed to find a place to serve God. So Jack, Anita and Lisa joined Parkview Baptist Church in Landover, Maryland in 1977. He worked faithfully for God, serving on the Deacon Ministry (as Chairman), teaching Sunday School, singing in the Male Chorus and the Sanctuary Choir. When he retired from his day job at Giant Food, he cooked for the church’s Day Care Center. The kids loved him and called him ”Mr. D” because he was a Deacon.

Jack worked for Giant Food for over 32 years as a meat cutter until his retirement in February 1996, where they called him (Smitty) because of his middle name being Smith. His co-workers said Elsworth Smith Braswell was just too long of a name to remember (smile).

His hobbies were fishing, which he loved dearly, and also taking care of the yard (back in Maryland), always doing a wonderful job. Jack was a longtime Washington Commanders (Redskins) fan.

He is preceded in death by Jasper Braswell, Sr. (father), Cherry Braswell (mother), Jasper Braswell, Jr. and Herman Braswell (brothers). Jack leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Anita, devoted daughter Lisa Nash (Robert Sr.), three grandsons, Robert Jr. (RJ), Joshua and Elisha Nash, a loving sister Elaine Barnes (Haywood) of Newport News, Virginia, three brothers-in-law Leslie Plater (Eleata) of Burtonsville, Maryland, Warren and Michael Plater of Glenn Dale, Maryland, devoted uncle James Earl Smith, Uncle Earl (Mary) of Weldon, North Carolina, aunt Ida Smith of Silver Springs, Maryland, god-son David Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many relatives and friends. Special thanks to Peggy Gilbert and home health caregivers, Jasmine Turner, Cheryl Simpson and Brittany Williams.