In the face of an unimaginable disaster, the people of the small town of Brantley came together to welcome home Braden Greene, a young boy who had just lost his mother in a terrible car accident on June 18. On June 27, people from the community came together to give Greene and his family a warm welcome home party that they will never forget.
Greene’s aunts, Portia Pitts and Lakita Pitts sent their deepest thanks to the town and community of Brantley. They said that the continued love and support from the community will help them deal with the hurdles and pain they face since Greene’s mother, Kenya Anderson, died. As they continue to grieve and get better, family members said they know they can rely on the power and unity of their community.
Portia Pitts said, “What a wonderful welcome home celebration for Bray,” “We can’t thank you all enough. Everything was perfect, from the police and fire department escorts to the cheering as we passed through Luverne and when we made it Brantley, wow there were people everywhere starting at the school and ending at Peachez’s house. To hear Braden’s teammates and classmates chanting his name as we drove by, all the sign’s saying, ‘Welcome home Bray,’ all of it made his heart smile and mine. I can’t thank you all enough, especially Mrs. Abigail Wood, Lori Ann Person, and Rashadd Daniels for pulling it off in such a short period of time. I am sure I forgot to mention someone, but please forgive me. We Love and thank you all so much.” Braden’s aunt, Lakita Pitts, also said that she was very thankful. “To the town and community of Brantley, we, the family of Kenya Anderson and the Pitts family, can’t thank you enough for all the love and support you have shown and continue to show our family during this difficult time,” Pitts said. “Please continue to pray for Braden my Mister, Arthurine Pitts and Lee Anderson. We love you all so very much.”
Another of Greene’s aunts said how much she appreciates what the community has done. Katherine Pitts Oates said, “Words can not convey how thankful and grateful we are for the love and support that has been shown,” said Katherine Pitts Oates “To our hometown Brantley and other surrounding communities-God’s blessings to you all.” Andrea Raines Bailey, a resident of Brantley, said that the return was a miraculous event. “I got to watch a miracle come home today!” Bailey said. “God showed out tonight! I am so thankful to be a part of a town that comes together and rallies for those in need!”
Bailey praised Anderson and explained how the mother had been a guiding light for her during a difficult period. She talked about how much love and kindness came from everyone in the family and how sure she was that God would give them strength and health.
JoLynne Chandler, who lives in Brantley, also talked about how proud and thankful she was for her town. She said, “Today just makes me love my hometown even more. I am thankful to have been raised here and still reside here. We will always pray for Braden and his family and are so glad he’s finally home!”
Arthurine Pitts, Greene’s grandma, said that the family is still trying to understand what happened. But Pitts said that she and her whole family will always be thankful to their community for all the love and help they have received.
“I want to thank everyone for all of your prayers first and foremost, and for your calls, texts, visits,hugs, food, monetary blessings and just whatever you may have done in support of us during this time as Braden and I transition to life without his mom,” she said. “This is so hard and I thank God for out blessing of living in this community.”
Members of the community saw Greene’s return home showing that unity and kindness can bring healing and hope even in the worst of times. Brantley’s overflow of love is an example of communities everywhere. It shows that when bad things happen, people can come together to help each other. Greene’s path to healing may be hard, but he can find comfort in knowing that people in the town and beyond are always there to help and pray for him. The warm welcome of the town will keep him going.
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