Mae Thelma Braxton

Mae Thelma Braxton (94) of Beloit, WI departed this earthly life and transitioned into the presence of her Lord on May 14, 2026. Mae was born July 18, 1931, in Durant, Mississippi the daughter of Sam and Anna Leavy. Mae and her family moved to Chicago, IL as a child, later moving to Rockford, IL as a young adult in the late 1950s. She worked in manufacturing during the major industrial boom in the Northern Illinois region.

Mae was a generous, caring individual who loved to cook and feed others in the community. Tyler Perry made the character Madea famous but Mae Thelma was “The REAL Madea!” She lived her life to the fullest.

Mae leaves to cherish her memories, one daughter, Judy Tate of Rockford, IL; five sons, Otis (Rea) Braxton of Beloit, WI, Dr. Donald (Pamela) Braxton of Douglasville, GA, Reginald (Lori) Flowers, Joe Braxton and Gary Flowers all of Beloit, Wisconsin; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; three brothers Douglas (Floretta) Leavy, Willie and Arzie “Bobby” Leavy. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mae was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters Dorothy Burks, three brothers Sam “Long Sam” Leavy, Napoleon “Bo” Leavy, Joseph Leavy, one sister-law (Pauletta Leavy), a son-in-law (Albert Tate), three children Jesse Leavy, Freddie Mae and Rodell Braxton and one grandson Landy McNeely.

The family of Mae Thelma Braxton is grateful to Beloit Health and Rehabilitation Center for their exceptional care that enhanced her quality of life and special thanks to Alyxis Hall and Tyson Lomax, a couple of her caregivers for going above and beyond the call of duty.

A homegoing celebration will take place on 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home 200 N. Johnston Avenue Rockford, IL 61101, visitation will be 9:00 AM-11:00 AM,