Mrs. Era Townsend Brake
January 16, 1914 – November 14, 2016
Era Townsend Brake departed this life on Monday, November 14, 2016. She was born on January 16, 1914 in Berkley, Alabama to Riley and Florence Townsend. She was one of eleven children; five siblings passed away due to illness before she got an opportunity to meet them.
As a child, Era crossed a railroad track each day to attend the Council School, she only obtained a 5th grade education. She dropped out of school and began working, performing domestic services. Era was considered her mother’s best child because she gave her mother her earnings from her job.
Later on as an adult, Era married Charlie Brake in February of 1946. They raised four beautiful children: John, Charles Etta, Ellie and Glenda. Era vividly remembered her dates with Charlie consisting of a walk to the fairground, where they would ride the Ferris wheel and the Whip. Era and Charlie remained a loving couple until Charlie’s death on April 16, 1969.
In 1927, Era and her sister, Patience attended many gospel “tent meetings”, where she heard Marshall Keeble speak the “Word of God.” After hearing Brother Keeble speak, she was the first person to be baptized at the Franklin Street Church of Christ, currently known as Blue Spring Church of Christ. As a member of the church, Era actively participated in serving the Lord. She initiated the annual Penny Project, a fundraiser for Southwestern Christian College. She also worked with the Christian Echo, a newsletter for Southwestern Christian College. For many years, both Era and Patience traveled to Terrell, Texas to attend the Southwestern Christian College National Lectureship. Popular among many congregations around the southeast region, Era and Patience were affectionately known as “Mary and Martha.” The sisters worked fervently in the church to help spread the gospel to others.
Era lived her life actively working for the Lord. Her gentle and sweet spirit touched the lives of all of those who met her. She was a true example of how a Christian life should be lived. Era encouraged and supported everyone in a way that made each person feel special. Her infectious personality will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Era leaves to cherish her memory: her children, John Townsend (Mary Ann), Charles-Etta Smith (Otis), Ellie Brake (Laura) and Glenda Brake-Ward; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, four great, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 21, 2016 at the Blue Spring Church of Christ (2150 Old Blue Spring Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Bro. Floyd Rodgers officiating. Interment will be in Northside Cemetery. Ms. Brake will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2016 and 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 21, 2016 at the Royal Funeral Home.
