On Saturday, April 12, the Cape Girardeau community came together to honor the life of Ashley Gwenae Braxton, a beloved nurse practitioner, daughter, sister, and mother whose life was a testament to service, love, and perseverance. Born on December 21, 1989, to Dr. Frank Braxton and Debra Mitchell-Braxton, Ashley lived her life with purpose. Her passion for healthcare, her devotion to her family, and her deep faith shaped everything she did. Tragically, Ashley passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, following a single-vehicle accident on Bloomfield Road in Cape Girardeau Missouri. She was 35 years old.
The loss was sudden and devastating—to her family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives she touched.
A 2008 graduate of Cape Central High School, Ashley pursued nursing at Hampton University in Virginia, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors. After passing her RN boards, she began her career at Riverside Hospital in Newport News. She later returned to Cape Girardeau, where she served with distinction at St. Francis Medical Center. Known for her gentle spirit and tireless dedication, she received multiple patient care awards and was nominated for the prestigious Daisy Nursing Award. Ashley was more than a nurse—she was a leader, a mentor, and a fierce advocate for her patients. In 2022, she began graduate studies at Southeast Missouri State University and earned her Family Nurse Practitioner degree. She fulfilled her dream of working alongside her father at Nephrology Associates, combining her clinical skills with a deeply personal mission to serve her community.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ashley’s life was rich with creativity, faith, and family. She was a trained dancer, a musician, and a devoted member of St. James AME Church.
Ashley’s proudest role was being a mother to her three children—Ariana, Miller, and Braxton. She worked tirelessly to provide them with a strong foundation, pursuing education and career advancement with their future in mind.
To honor her legacy, her family has established the Ashley Gwenae Braxton Nursing/Medical Scholarship Fund, supporting aspiring healthcare professionals. Her sister, Ann Parker, has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the care and needs of Ashley’s children.
Ashley’s life was full of heart. She gave of herself without hesitation and lifted those around her with quiet strength. Her memory is not only cherished—it continues to inspire.
