Braven Otiere Duffy, served Lord, country
Braven Otiere Duffy, 62, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at his residence in Lakewood, Wash. He was the first-born son from the union of Braven Otiere Duffie and Odelia (Bundick) Duffie of Rehoboth Beach at Beebe Hospital, Lewes.
As a child, Braven was unique, very rambunctious in his behavior, curious and always into something. Therefore, he attained his earlier education from the “board of education” applied by his father, which taught him how to pay attention to whatever was being taught. He completed his formal education and graduated from Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes.
Braven had a well-mannered personality. He would often hang out with his friends at night in the neighborhood, and only missed a few curfews, unlike one of his siblings who learned how to get away with climbing in his bedroom window only to be confronted by his mother while sneaking in. Braven worked small jobs with his great-uncle in the landscaping business in and around the Rehoboth Beach area, helping his mom and dad make ends meet. The environment and the opportunity for advancement in achieving his goals were not quite sufficient in this area during that time.
Braven expected more than what he was getting. As a result, he took the advice of his dad and chose to go into the military, and there he found himself, and made his career. Discipline and excellence was his lifestyle. He was meticulous about everything having to be in its proper place. That made him stand tall as a leader among his fellowmen. Braven had a certain type of wisdom in making decisions when things confronted him face to face, regarding his family, his neighbors, as well as himself. Staff Sergeant Braven Otiere Duffy earned his Medal for Meritous Service Award for Excellence, along with his four Good Conduct Medals with a knot, which indicates 20 years of service in what you believe in, in spite of the challenges that the enemy puts in your way.
Braven stood tall as a Christian when he received salvation. He loved to sing and praise the Lord. Braven and his family lived in Bad Kruezdnock, Germany. While there, they attended an English-speaking church, sang as a family and were happily received until the duration of duty there. They continued that ministry at home in Delaware.
Braven knew the Lord. As an excellent soldier, his first name means Brave One. It is a boy’s name meaning, Brave-n, in popularity, handsome and honest. Those of us who knew him knew he lived up to his name and has passed on to salute his Commander Jesus Christ with the shout of triumph, “Mission accomplished, sir.”
In addition to his mother Odelia Duffie, Braven was preceded in death by his brother William, his sister Teresa, and his nephew Derek.
Braven O. Duffy leaves to cherish his memories, his son Braven Dwayne Leggins (Jaynell) of Greenwood; his daughter, Marie OH Duffy of Lakewood; his dad, RET/MSG-E7 Rev. Braven O. Duffie of Lewes; his siblings, Faye Smith of Milton, the Rev. Sonja Ayers of Lincoln, Reginald Bundick (Vera) of Lewes, Melinda Barrett (Ronald) of Louisville, Ky., Sherman Duffie (Melody) of North Carolina, the Rev. Winfred V. Duffie Sr (Rena) of Dover, Founders of Greater Glory Kingdom Ministries of Onancock, Va., and Daryl Duffie (Tynice) of Harbeson; three granddaughters, Ke’osha, Taire and Tara; one grandson, Amarie; one aunt, Annie LeeTrammell; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Braven, we know that you had to go, for whatever reason that you could not stay; although you have gone, we will continue pressing on, because our hope is not gone. So we are not saying good bye, we are just saying so long, hoping to see you again someday in a great big all-in-the-family kind of way.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at noon at Bethel AME Church, 329 Mulberry St., Milton. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to service. Professional service entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Millsboro.
To offer words of comfort, or sign the guest book, visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com.
