Marvis Arrington Branch (also affectionately known as ‘Mavis’) was born May 8,1932 to the late James and Annie Moore Arrington, the middle child of three children. She was raised with her family in Rocky Mount, NC and was a graduate of Nash County High School.
On August 18, 1950, Marvis was united in matrimony to Elijah Leroy Branch and relocated to Washington, DC in the ‘60’s. Together they raised a beautiful, thriving family of six children rooted in love and resilience. Marvis spent her days as a devoted housewife and actively volunteered her time to causes that she cared for. She was the President of the Parent Teachers Assoc., member of the Ode D. Moore Alumni Assoc., and a key holder of the Frederick Douglass Home (overseeing daily visitor tours). She served as Grand Jurist for the District of Columbia Superior Court. When her children were older, she was employed by the Hecht ‘s Company in the ‘70’s to mid ‘80’s and also worked as a nanny for the West Family in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She became an Advocate for Voter Rights and worked the Election Polls for decades. Marvis loved knowledge and could hold an intellectual conversation with the most admired scholars.
Marvis was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Arrington Jr., one daughter Angela Musgrove, one son William Avent, one grandson Thomas Wilson and her husband of 43 years, Elijah L. Branch. Her legacy lives on through her sister whom she adored, Ruby Alston, four daughters; Brenda Horton, Betsy Byrd, Tansela (Irving) Reaves, Winifred Branch, and one son, Elijah Branch Jr. Nine grandchildren; Jewel Musgrove, Cheryl Dyson, Anthony Branch, John Robinson, Acquinette Robinson, Clarissa (James) Worthen, Carla (Gary) Yancey, Michael (Nikki) Lee, and Tyrance Branch. She is also celebrated by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will cherish her memory.
Marvis will be remembered for her quiet strength, elegant spirit, and the deep care she showed to all who knew her. Her nurturing heart, kind words, and powerful example will live on through the legacy she leaves behind.
A service to celebrate her life will be at 11 AM, Friday, August 15, 2025, at Hanes-Lineberry Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
