Dorothy L. Branch's Obituary
Dorothy L. Branch, 78, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 25, 2010. She was born on February 17, 1932 to the Late Genie and Alice Wright. She is the oldest of 12 children, four of whom have preceded her in death. She married the late Edward Branch Sr. and from this union 7 children were born. Three have preceded her in death. Dorothy moved to Tavares, Florida in 2005 from Miami, Florida where she had lived for 42 years. She joined Mid-Lakes Christian Church upon moving to Tavares and was a faithful member until her health declined. Dorothy exemplified her faith in her everyday walk of life. Her home became a haven for those that were hurting and in need. Her children would often joke that they never knew who would be at their dinner table that evening. Over the years she became known as “Mama Branch” to so many who grew to love and cherish her benevolent heart. She was known for her warm hospitality, delicious sweet potato pies and her famous pound cake. Early Thursday morning at about 3:00 am she laid down her broken, weary body and the Master that she had served so faithfully welcomed her home. Her mission on earth was completed. She had run the race, she had fought a good fight, she had finished her course and a crown was awaiting her. She leaves to mourn her passing four faithful, loving and devoted children, Jacqueline Overton, Valarie Faison (Sam), Edward Branch Jr., and Stanley Branch; two cherished grandchildren, Bryon Overton and Samantha Faison, one brother, Alfred Wright (Mattie), 6 sisters, Myra Jean Gammage (Richard), Yvonne Solomon, Gloria Palmer (Jerry), Ruth Wright, Janice Calhoun (Steve) and Joyce Stroud (Lilman A); One devoted great uncle, Ralph Keaton, two sisters-in-laws, Delia Branch and Hattie Mae Holloway (Aaron), one loving god daughter, Lori Morgan, one very special adopted granddaughter, Shelbei Reese, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends. There was a viewing on Friday evening, March 5, 2010, at Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, Florida from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral Services were held at Mid-Lakes Christian Church, 3800 State Road 19, Tavares, Florida on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at 10:00 am. Interment followed at Lakeside Memory Gardens, 36601 CR 32726, Eustis, FL. In lieu of flowers monetary donations may be made to Adventure Christian Academy Scholarship Fund, Adventure Christian Academy, 3800 State Road 19, Tavares Florida. Arrangements were entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778. Online condolences may be left at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
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