Our family lives in Velma, Oklahoma and our children attend Velma-Alma Public Schools where they are involved in so many school activities, including sports, FFA, and other school related organizations. We are devoted Comet fans and follow our kiddos to games and most all school events. We love God and have been serving in ministry for more than 20 years. We currently attend Ray of Hope Church in Duncan, OK.
We are a family of five, with one of us residing in Heaven. June 6, 2012 is the day that our family will never forget because our sweet sixteen-year-old daughter, Braylee Rae Henry, who had just finished her sophomore year in high school, drove her new car to a local convenience store in Velma and never returned home. After a long search for her, we learned later that evening that she had been murdered by the 21-year-old store clerk. Velma, Oklahoma is a small, rural town with a main street, no stop lights, and everyone knows your name. It’s where Fridays are for football and Sundays are for church. Our small town is surrounded by a bubble from the world and nothing like this has happened in our small community. It was a devastating day for our family, friends, and our community.
Braylee Rae Henry was born September 20, 1995. Braylee was a sophomore and a starting member of the Velma-Alma High School Basketball Team, Cross Country Team, Track Team, FFA, 4-H Teen leader, Beta Club, Student Council, and the Academic Team. Braylee had several achievements in her short life, and her favorites were as follows: 2011 Stephen's County Reserve Grand Champion Ewe, 2011 All Area Cross Country Team, 2011 State Qualifier for the 2 mile run, and being chosen to serve as the 2012-2013 FFA President. Braylee was just a beautiful girl, full of life and laughter, and proud to be a Comet. She loved hanging out with her friends, listening to music, and volunteering many places including the Jesus House in OKC - a place that truly touched her heart. The Jesus House dedicated the Braylee Rae Henry Memorial Prayer Room in her honor. She would be so proud. Braylee loved watching the OU Sooners and the OKC Thunder.
Braylee was a loving compassionate person who devoted several years helping others. Braylee’s last post on Facebook stated, “Count Your Blessings!” Braylee was a blessing and her loving spirit remains with all of us who knew and loved her.
The Braylee Project
Love Strong!
In honor of our daughter, we started the Braylee Rae Henry Memorial Scholarship Fund which awards scholarships to students who are leaders in their school and are involved in the sports and organizations that Braylee loved. In order to continue funding these scholarships, we started the Braylee Rae Henry Memorial Golf Tournament in 2015. Through the generosity of our family, friends, community, and surrounding communities, we were encouraged to continue moving forward. So, we created the Braylee Project which is a certified 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and supports organizations, events, and situations involving youth. Our mission is to encourage local youth in ministries, citizenship, and volunteerism. Braylee left a legacy of love which is God’s greatest commandment. Through our work with the Braylee Project and sharing Braylee’s story, may we all be encouraged to
LOVE STRONG!
