Judy Ferguson Branham

Born April 6, 1953, in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Marvis Ferguson. She worked at Archer Creek Foundry from 1974 to closing in 2009, in human resources as a payroll clerk. After leaving, she went to work for Lynchburg City Schools in transportation as a secretary/payroll clerk for eight years, before retiring.

Judy was loved by everyone she worked with and never met a stranger.

Judy was a good Christian woman. She was a devoted and longtime member of St. Paul’s Mission in Amherst County, where she served on the council board as a secretary, treasurer and a lay reader.

Judy loved making jams and canning things, even baking for the home coming/bazaar every year. She loved to help her church family.

Judy also stood by her husband when he was the chief of the Monacan Tribe for over 20 years. She was with him at all the powwow’s and speaking engagements just beaming with pride. She loved working the Monacan powwow’s at the t-shirt booth and front gate. Judy was loved by everyone in the tribe.

If you knew her you were blessed, whether it was working, church or tribe, she was loved by many people and will be truly missed.

Those left to cherish her memory includes her devoted husband and soulmate of 35 years former Chief of the Monacan Tribe Kenneth Branham; her two sons Travis and Rebecca O’Brien, Mark and Jessica O’Brien; one stepson Timmy and Angie Branham; one stepdaughter Jody Lotts and Dante; her 12 grandchildren were the joy of her life, Caleb, Natalie, Naomi, Seth O’Brien and Madison and Ace O’Brien, Skylar, Brandon, Hannah, Gabe, Brandon, Ashley; three great-grandchildren Levi, Jeremiah, Malachi; her sister Jane and Edward Merricks; two nieces Faith, Tracy; one nephew Bobby; three sisters in law Marilyn and Ricky Barbour, Carilyn Elliott and David Hammock, Edith Viar and their families who loved her as a sister and a special aunt.

The family will receive friends at Whitten Monelison Chapel on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 6-8pm. With a Celebration of Judy’s Life to take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2pm at the Monacan Tribe Headquarters at 111 Highview Dr. Madison Heights.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that a memorial contribution be made to St. Paul’s Mission Church, at 2009 Kenmore Road, Amherst VA, 24521.