April Dawn Atchley

Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, April’s family later relocated to Vero Beach, Florida, where she graduated from Vero Beach High School, Class of 1986. Growing up, she worked at her father’s marina in Vero Beach, where her love of the water and boating took root. As a young girl, she also appeared as a model in Cobia Boat advertisements, capturing her natural charm and beauty even then.

She went on to earn her degree in Dental Hygiene from Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, FL, in 1998. After several years of practice, April settled her professional roots at Exceptional Dentistry of Sarasota in 2010, where she worked with dedication and compassion for the past 15 years, right up until her passing.

April also began a second career in real estate, earning her license in 2017. She was proud to be part of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Atchley Properties team, where she received numerous awards.

When she wasn’t working, April was deeply involved in her children’s lives, especially during their elementary and middle school years, volunteering actively at their schools. She loved the outdoors and everything about Florida — running, playing tennis, working out whenever her health allowed, going to the beach, boating, and, most of all, spending time with her family and many friends. April also loved to travel and explore new places, always seeking out new experiences with a joyful and adventurous spirit.

April faced her illness with incredible strength, grace, and dignity. Her bravery was evident every single day. She never complained, and you would never know the pain she endured. April had style and grace, and a kind and gentle spirit, befitting of her name. Even on her hardest days, she carried an amazing smile that lit up the room — a reflection of her unshakable spirit. She touched the lives of so many and always put others before herself.

April was the rock and heart of her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Troy Branham and loving mother to her children, Sean (21) and Audrey (18), and embraced her stepchildren, Colton (24) and Ella (21), with the same deep love and care.

She is also survived by her mother, Sue Burkhart; her brother, Alan Atchley, and his wife and sister-in-law, Pat; nephew Hunter and niece Courtney; her sister, Alison (Albano), and husband Dominick; nieces Amber and Alyssa (Gire), and husband Dylan; her mother-in-law, Louise Branham; and sister-in-law, Dina Branham.

April was preceded in death by her father, Jack Atchley, and her father-in-law, William Branham.

April will be remembered for her unwavering love, her quiet strength, and her deep commitment to her family. Her presence brought warmth and light to those around her, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in April's name to the Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 676226, Dallas, TX, 75267-6226, or https://www.kidneycancer.org/ .

Rest in peace, my love – Troy.