Wynona Chambers Braswell

Wynona C. Braswell, 89, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away on June 30, 2025, peacefully with her loving family by her side. She was the daughter of John David Chambers and Idora Prance Chambers of Boaz, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Neil Braswell. She is survived by her two sons, John Robert Braswell of Tallahassee, Florida (Claudia Schoroth-Braswell and daughter, Yenna Elisabeth Braswell) and Jefferson Monroe Braswell of Gainesville, Florida (Linda-Louise Webster Braswell and daughters, Serena Mae Braswell and Destiny Dora Braswell). Nona was born on August 23, 1935, on the George and Vennie Prance Farm near Boaz, in Etowah County, Alabama—a piece of land originally homesteaded by her great-grandfather. Her childhood was filled with joy and freedom, often riding her horse across the fields with her beloved pet pig, Landy, trotting faithfully behind. Life on the farm, working side by side with her parents, nurtured in her a lifelong love for nature, strong work ethic, and a deep respect for honesty. At 14, Nona began working at the Five & Dime in downtown Boaz, Alabama and by 15, she was a dental assistant to Dr. L. I. Cooley, who became a trusted mentor. It was around this time when she first met Bob Braswell—a moment that would shape the rest of her life. In 1954, they married. Their special day was highlighted by being featured on a popular radio show, Breakfast at the Horsley, which was broadcasted across Sand Mountain. Over the next 68 years, Bob and Nona lived in 12 cities, traveled to 16 different countries and strived daily to open the doors of new perspectives that always kept them youthful and open minded to the ever-changing state of the modern world. Nona studied interior design at the University of Alabama, where she was selected to assist with organizing events and designing the University President’s home. She later became known for her legendary parties at Cape Kennedy during the Space Age. While Bob served in academia, Nona designed homes and launched her own business. In 1979, Nona created Custom Interiors. It was the first of its kind on the Gulf Coast. Soon after starting her business she met Bill Bain, a retired Master Sergeant who helped bring her visions to life. He was an “artisan” in his own right who could execute any design project that Nona could dream up, and Bill quickly became the best of friends to Nona, Bob and everyone in the Braswell family. Nona envisioned an interior design company that could provide a complete turn key solution for her customers buying condominiums. She did everything from designing the space, purchasing the furniture and accessories, hanging the draperies, to buying the sheets, towels and dishes which pulled each project together. When she was done each new condominium was completely ready to move in and start having fun! She quickly expanded beyond condos to do yachts, historical apartments in the French Quarter of New Orleans, an automobile dealership in Atlanta and many prominent private residences. Nona was relentless in staying informed and seeking the truth. She read newspapers daily, along with stacks of books and magazines. She researched everything—politics, health, fashion, design, food, the stock market, and sports. Nona was a passionate advocate for human and women’s rights. Her interest in politics was kindled while co-chairing Lawton Chiles’ 1967 campaign for the United States Senate for Alachua County. Nona led social and political efforts in every community she joined. She was a humanist that believed everyone deserved dignity and respect. Though her successes where vast, Nona’s greatest pride was her family. She often said her sons, John and Jefferson, surpassed all her dreams. She cherished her daughters-in-laws, Claudia and Linda Louise, but her greatest joy without question was her granddaughters—Serena, Yenna and Destiny—who brought her endless joy. Christmas was especially magical when John and Jeff brought their daughters to the beach house—those mornings were dreamlike. Filled with exuberant memories that will remain in the hearts of her family for decades to follow. Her granddaughters still reminisce together on the Christmas wonderland Nona built every year that through a child's eye was nothing short of pure magic. Nona believed she lived three lives: first, as Bob’s partner in building a strong, loving family; second, as a woman discovering her own talents and voice; and third, as “Nona,” grandmother to Serena Mae, Yenna Elisabeth, and Destiny Dora. After moving to Tallahassee, they became her world. She was always available—driving halfway to the “Happy Store” to pick up the granddaughters was a thrill, and decorating the “woods house” in the park became her ultimate project. Nona was so proud when her first grandchild, Serena, graduated from the University of Florida. She lived vicariously through Yenna—her “Butterfly”—as she explored Europe and settled in Tuscany, Italy. Destiny’s academic excellence at PK Yonge, the University of Florida and now Florida State University amazed her. Loving and being loved by her granddaughters brought Nona more joy than she had ever known. She treasured the daily calls, visits, texts, FaceTimes, and flowers from her family. Their lifelong friends became her friends too, sharing music, photos, news, and political views. There was really nothing Nona loved more than sitting down with her family and sharing a meal. In her final months, Claudia invited Nona over every single night for a gourmet home cooked meal that was shared with love around the family table alongside John, Yenna, Destiny and Nick (Destiny’s boyfriend). The dogs Kofi and Poppy always waited close by for her to sneak them a bite. Her life was deeply intertwined with John and Jefferson, their families, and their friends too. Her cousin Dean Chambers was like a brother. Nona dearly loved all of the Braswell family as well. She loved her social life at the beach, and her girlfriends created lifelong bonds with their parties, road trips and lunches. Nona’s favorite place on Earth was her Smoky Mountain “bird nest” home, where she could leave her worries behind and feel the full strength of Mother Nature. There, she often wrote poems—some funny, most deeply personal. Those who knew her boundless love will always catch a glimpse of her: sipping a cup of coffee, a glass of the finest wine, listening to Dylan or Willie, swinging on a porch, watching a beach sunset, spotting the first crepe myrtle bloom, seeing a butterfly dance, feeding birds, loving Kofi and Poppy, watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, or reaching the top of a mountain—alone, but not lonely. There will never be another Nona. She was extraordinary and unforgettable. She was generous beyond measure—with her love, her time, and anything she could give to support her family's dreams. Nona’s memory will live on in those who knew her. She believed we are only the memories we leave behind—and she left many. She will always be present. Always guiding. Always loving. And if you’re reading this, she wanted you to know—she wrote this with some help from Yenna, John, and Jeff at the end because she believed in telling her own story, in her own way, and with her whole heart. The family would like make a special thank you to Nona’s amazing caretaking team (Ruth Ann, Sid, and the angels at the Dozier Hospice House in Tallahassee). In lieu of Flowers, the family would like you to donate to Big Bend Hospice in Nona Braswell’s name. https://bigbendhospice.org/foundation/donate/ The family will hold a Celebration of Nona’s Life at the Beach House on July 19, 2025, and all who want to share stories about Nona are welcome! Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Wynona Chambers Braswell

August 23, 1935 - June 30, 2025