Rodney Braxton

Rodney Braxton, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington. He was born on August 13, 1961, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Rodney graduated from Benson High School, Class of 1980, and attended college at Portland Community College (PCC). He began working at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) while he was still in high school and continued his position while attending PCC. After leaving college, he was officially hired full-time, marking the start of a career that would span more than 40 years.

Work was truly Rodney’s happy place. He began working at BPA in the mailroom while still in high school, through Benson’s School-to-Work program, with his sights set on one goal—becoming a driver. Through dedication and persistence, he achieved that goal and proudly served as a driver until the department was shut down, at which point he transitioned to the warehouse, where he worked for several years. His final position prior to retirement was a desk job, a change brought on by physical limitations. Even then, Rodney was simply grateful to be able to come to work—because his work gave him purpose.

At work, Rodney was known for his unforgettable laugh—once he started laughing, the whole room often laughed with him. And when he thought no one was listening, you might catch him playing his music and singing along in his high-pitched, wonderfully out-of-tune voice, completely in his happy place.

Rodney was a homebody who enjoyed watching television, movies, and sports. He was a loyal Portland Trail Blazers basketball fan and a devoted Dallas Cowboys football fan.

Rodney was quiet, low-key, independent, and honorable. He treated others with respect and had a subtle sense of humor that revealed itself once you truly got to know him. Although he did enjoy a good argument from time to time, that was something he reserved mostly for family.

He was a Christian who lived his faith through quiet service, faithfully driving the Sunday school bus and serving as an usher while his health allowed.

Rodney was preceded in death by his mother, Princess L. (Braxton) Miller; his father, who is unknown to his remaining family; and his uncle, John L. Smith, who helped his mother raise him and his sisters.

He is survived by his sisters, Angela Braxton-Johnson and Tiffani Braxton; his brother-in-love, Alvin Johnson Sr.; his niece, Alea Johnson; his nephews, Alvin Johnson Jr. and Alexander Johnson; along with great-nephews, a great-niece, and a host of cousins, family friends, loved ones, and colleagues.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rodney’s neighbors, Kat and Mike, for looking out for him and for their kindness and support on the day we found Rodney and learned of his passing, in addition to those who loved and knew him.

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