Charlotte Madeline Dunson Branum

Born in Dallas, Texas, on October 30, 1941, Charlotte was the daughter of W.D. and Loucile Hodges Dunson. She was raised to have a strong Christian faith in her family’s church, Liberty Baptist Church. She gave her heart to Jesus early on and that faith sustained her through her life. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm and learned the value of hard work at a very young age. She adored her grandfather and often spoke of her fond memories of riding around the dairy farm with him.

She graduated from Mesquite High School in 1959 and in true “Charlotte” fashion, she completed high school in three years because she was ready to conquer the world. During high school she had many accomplishments such as “Miss Flame” of the Mesquite Fire Department and won a state championship in basketball. She passed on her love of basketball to her grandchildren. Although she did attend modeling school one year, she chose to pursue a career in the business world. She believed your heart and your brains should lead your path in life. She attended Draughon’s Business School where she discovered her love for bookkeeping.

Wherever she went, she excelled. With class and determination, she moved from accounting to management to treasurer. Eventually, she worked her way to president of more than one large corporation. Her work ethic and dedication led to continued success while breaking many barriers and paving the way for many women to follow. She was a leader in the typography business and would go head to head with anyone and graciously beat them with her intelligence and fortitude. Charlotte broke boundaries that defined her generation.

She married the love of her life, Jack Roger Branum, in 1964. She became the mother of Jack’s children Beverly, Patti, and Danny. She treasured the opportunity to step in to raise them. She never skipped a beat and considered it an honor. She and Jack later welcomed their own daughter, Jacque, in 1968. Jack and Charlotte built a life, a family, a business, and a legacy together that positively affected so many.

Charlotte’s life-long passion was flying. She loved to travel and her favorite way to fly was in the captain’s seat. She received her pilot’s license in 1962 when female pilots were unheard of. She later earned her instrument rating and commercial license. As a family, Jack and Charlotte flew everywhere. Even after she could no longer fly, she loved going to the airshows each year with her family.

The people in her life were continuously impressed by her creative side. She was known for her extensive knowledge and love for gardening. Her gardening skills are present and appreciated at every family member’s home. She loved digging in the dirt with her grandchildren. She was also passionate about cooking as a way to express her love for her family and friends. Her sense of beauty and style showed in everything she pursued. She had the ability of making a home wherever she landed, in her homes and others.

Charlotte held many titles over her lifetime, but the ones she held most dear to her heart were devoted wife, sister, mother, and Meemaw. She always put others first and selflessly supported her friends and family. She did volunteer work with several organizations that were close to her heart. Her later years were defined by her devotion to her children and grandchildren. She dedicated herself to making the lives of those she loved easier. She was a confidante, friend, and trusted advisor. She was active in every facet of her family’s lives. Meemaw was a regular fan of any athletic event where her grandchildren were playing.

One of her favorite memories was honoring her grandmother with the reading of Proverbs 31, the story of the virtuous woman. Charlotte indeed grew into the woman God created her to be. She “set about her work vigorously”, she was “clothed with strength and dignity”, and she always “spoke with wisdom, and faithful instruction on her tongue” Even when she knew that her time on earth would be shorter than she had hoped, “she smiled without fear of her future.” And without a doubt, “her children and grandchildren called her blessed.”

Charlotte was optimistic, loving, kind, loyal, knowledgeable, fierce, and gracious to the very end. She fought her final battle with the same positive attitude, grace, and grit that shaped her life. In her final days when asked about her life, she wanted to be remembered for how loved and blessed she was. She said the only thing that mattered was how much she truly loved her family.

She is preceded in death by Jack Roger Branum. She is survived by her baby sister, Deborah Sue Dunson Edwards and her younger brother, Tyrone Edward Dunson. She leaves behind a legacy of love with her children Jacquelyn Branum Pirtle (husband Brad) and Patricia Branum Agee (husband Randy); stepchildren Beverly Branum Hodges and Michael Daniel Branum. Her grandchildren that she loved with all her heart are Dylan Bradley Pirtle, Logan Jackson Pirtle, Sydney Madelyn Pirtle, Zachary Cole Morgan, and Chance Roger Morgan; step-grandchildren Amanda Payton Easterwood, Dustin Lee Hodges, Rachael Bethan Laporte, and Michael Rhys Branum; three great grandchildren; adored nieces TeeLee Dobbs Phlieger and Wendee Dobbs Neubauer; and a community who loved her dearly and who will miss her every day.

A Memorial Service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Gospel City Church in Arlington, Texas. A celebration of life gathering to follow.