Frances Postel Braswell
Frances Postel Braswell, 93, of Belleville, IL, born Saturday, August 18, 1917, in St. Louis, MO, died Friday, March 25, 2011 at Columbia Convalescent Center, Columbia, IL.
A native of Mascoutah, Illinois, Frances Postel Braswell graduated in 1939 with a B.A. from Wellesley College in Massachuetts, and in 1979 a Masters Degree from Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
On December 7, 1942 she married David M. Braswell, Jr. in Reading, PA. They lived on the East Coast, then came back to live in Belleville in 1948, where she lived. She and her husband had four children: Joan, David, Philip and Carol.
Her professional career as well, as the many organizations to which she belonged, extended over many years. Included were: working for IBM in New York (1939-1940); Program Director for the USO (1940-42) at Fort Dix, N.J.; in the 1950's she helped create and produce The Sample Fair for Memorial Hospital; 1959-62 she held the distinction of being the first woman on the Belleville Township High School Board of Education; In 1966, she produced a weekly televison interview show in conjunction with the Metropolitan Church Federation, called "Journey Through Darkness" on KPLR-TV and KSD radio. For her efforts she was awarded in 1967 the "Citation of Honor" by the Church Women United in Illinois; 1969 awarded the "Woman of theYear Award" by the St. Louis Wellesley Club; 1970 received the "Community Service Award" from the St. Clair County Health and Welfare Council; 1985-87 was member of BAC (SWIC) Board of Trustees.
She was also a member of The League of Women Voters; Women's Auxiliary at Memorial Hospital and its membership for over 50 years; St. Louis Wellesley Club; St. Clair County Historical Society; Belleville Philharmonic Society; KETC Channel 9 Advisory Board; Delta Kappa Gamma (Honorary); Union United Methodist Church and Deborah Circle; and P.E.O. Chapter HR.
Besides her many community responsibilities, she was an avid bridge player with numerous community bridge groups. She loved swimming and kept swimming through the age of 89. She also played tennis with family. In college she was captain of her baseball team and was on the crew team. She and her late husband traveled extensively and actively pursued the broadening of their knowledge
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband: David M. Braswell, Jr.
- Parents: Philip H. and Besse M. nee Holnback, Postel
Surviving are her:
- Children
- Joan P. Braswell of Belleville, IL
- David M. (Marcia) Braswell of Belleville, IL
- Philip P. (Marina) Braswell of Washington, DC
- Carol Robbins of New York, NY
- Brother: Charles (Gloria) W. Postel of Rockbridge, IL
- Grandchilden
- Adam and Casey Robbins
- Rebekah and Grant Braswell
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Union United Methodist Church Building Fund; McKendree University - Philip H. Postel Scholarship Fund; Mascoutah Historical Society or American Heart Association.
Funeral: Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Union United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ed Weston officiating. There will be a reception following the service in McKinley Hall. By her request her body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine.