Mrs. Dorothy Jean (Mathis) Branch

In Smithville, Texas on August 28, 1938, Dorothy Jean Branch was the only child born to the union of Spurgeon and Margarette Mathis. The family later relocated to the Heights in Houston for better opportunities. Dorothy attended Houston Independent School District schools. She was a graduate of the Class of 1955 of Booker T. Washington High School. This is where she met the love of her life, Franklin Branch, Jr.

Dorothy went on to attend Prairie View A&M University but later transferred to Texas Southern University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business. During this time, she married her beloved Franklin. To their union three children were born: Garlaund, Franklin III, and Damentra. This young couple joined McGee Chapel early in their marriage. Dorothy was a very active member of McGee Chapel where she was a member of Mission Sisters, Women’s Guild, and Hospitality Committee.

As an educator in Aldine Independent School District, she touched the lives of many youths. It was her decision to leave her profession, in education, to assist her husband in his entrepreneurial endeavors. She worked diligently beside him as the owners and operators of Branch’s Omega Motels in the Houston area. She later returned to education as an instructor at the McGee Chapel Learning Center. In her spare time Dorothy was an avid crafter. She enjoyed making Christmas decorations and fabric covered photo albums for her friends and family.

Dorothy departed this life on January 5, 2024. This loving, caring spirit was considered a delight by everyone that she met. She was always there for family, friends, and neighbors. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Spurgeon and Margarette Mathis, great granddaughter J’Dence, and her beloved Franklin Branch, Jr.

She leaves to mourn and cherish her loving memory her children: Garlaund Branch (Pamela), Franklin Branch III (Jackie), and Damentra Branch, three grandchildren: Justin Branch, Franklin Branch IV and Chandler Jillian Branch, three great granddaughters: JaCee Branch, Justyce Branch, and Kenli Faith Branch, adoptive grandchildren: Breonna Branch and Juanita Branch, along with Ronjane’e, Ron, Amber and Justin Gray, Zavean Walker, sister in-laws, brother in-laws, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.