Janet Sue Branam

Heaven gained an angel Tuesday, July 30th as she passed away quietly in her sleep at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. Janet “Jan” Sue (Evans) Branam 90, born to Estell E. Evans & Solona Jane (Miller) Evans on August 29, 1933. She graduated from Bloomington High School, where she met the love of her life, in 1951. She and Victor Branam were married August 29, 1951, they were married almost 57 years until his passing in 2008. She retired from Kroger after working 30 years as the Deli & Seafood Manager.

Jan will be lovingly remembered by her children, two sons, Michael Branam of Alamagordo, New Mexico, Tracy (Cynthia) Branam of Solsberry; one daughter Cindy (Jim) Jackson of Tate, Georgia. She will be fondly remembered & loved by her 10 grandchildren, Andrew (Jama) Chandler, Lauren (Mat Winton) Branam, Anna Branam of Bloomington, Jason (April) Chandler of Freedom, Angela (Dale) Flick, Peter Branam of Solsberry, Carl Branam, Ray Branam of New Mexico, Lindsay (Nathan) Green of Tennessee & Daniel (Rachel) Jackson of Georgia. She was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, and that “crazy aunt” to several nieces & nephews. Numerous cousins & friends will miss her smile & words of encouragement.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband D. Victor Branam, daughter Vicky Chandler and two brothers, Ernest & Richard Evans.

Being a dedicated mother & grandmother, Jan enjoyed all sports & activities involving her children, grandchildren & great- grandchildren. She was often found sitting in the stands of a baseball, basketball, softball game, soccer match & swim meets of all levels, from biddy ball to Division One College athletics. Her involvement did not stop there as she went to many musicals, plays, school programs, award banquets & church services for her family with pure enjoyment. She looked forward to watching March Madness, Colts Sunday afternoon football and any IU Athletic event shown on television.

Her hobbies were numerous, but her passion was always her painting. She was a member of the Bloomington Arts Guild where she also displayed her paintings. She has several awards from the Monroe County Fair & Indiana State Fair for her oil, water colors & pastel paintings, recognition with art gallery displays in Indiana as well as Florida. Many may remember seeing her work displayed at the Bob Evans restaurants in Bloomington. Another rewarding hobby was her baking, winning numerous awards from the Monroe County Fair Bake-off, Pillsbury Cook-off & recipe contest. Crocheting, Sewing, ceramics and the occasional book club were enjoyable as well. She was past president of the Bloomington Senior Citizen Counsel, member of the Purdue University Home Extension Club, the First Presbyterian Church, queen of the Red Robin Red Hat Society as well as volunteer for local charities and organizations. Her favorite hobby was being homemaker while her children were young & spending quality time with her family. She enjoyed family gatherings at holidays & summer time family reunions where she could enlighten us all on the family history & antics.

The family wishes to invite those who wish or are able to visitation Sunday, August 4, 2:00pm – 6:00pm, Funeral Service Monday, August 5, 12:00pm at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home 4150 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN.

Final Resting Place will be Valhalla Memory Gardens immediately following the service.

Jan loved flowers, but she was also a charitable person, if one wishes to donate to her favorite charity, please consider the John Waldron Arts Center, Bloomington Senior Citizens Center or Monroe County Home Extension.