Betty Gail Branton

Betty Gail Ethridge Branton, age 89, passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Born on November 11, 1936 in Dothan, Alabama, she is preceded in death by her parents Otis and Lorene Ellis Ethridge, husband Kenneth Paul Branton, children, Donna Branton Peters and Keith Branton. Brothers and sisters Lanell Ethridge Hundley, Quida Erison Ethridge Watson, Bobby Ray Ethridge, Joan Marie Ethridge Lamb and Billy Wayne Ethridge also precede her.

Mrs. Branton was a graduate of Rehobeth High School and had in retail with top notch leadership and computer skills. She and Kenneth Paul Branton were married at the Rehobeth Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor James Kengry on July 27, 1956. "I made me a dress, pink with a low back with white flowers sewn on the full skirt with a peacoat, white shawl." "No music, no flowers, a few of my family and his parents."

Her greatest gift was her life of service to others. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother and beloved sister. In every role she carried, she gave of herself completely. She never asked what she could receive from others, but always what she could do for them.

Her prayer life was the foundation of who she was. She believed in the power of prayer and carried her family, and those she loved before God faithfully, and without ever asking for recognition.

Betty leaves behind more than memories, she leaves behind a role model of servitude. She taught us that love is often shown through the little things; showing up, helping when there was a need, giving when someone was struggling, and putting others before herself.

Then, there was her endless need to fix everything. If something was broken, hurting, out of place, or simply not quite right, she felt certain she could do something about it. Sometimes that meant offering a helping hand, sometimes a word of advice, and sometimes simply refusing to let someone struggle alone. It was her way of loving us. She couldn't fix everything and perhaps that was the one thing she never quite accepted but she certainly spent her life trying.

Her legacy is found in the people she loved, the lives she touched, the prayers she prayed, and the example she left behind. We will miss her deeply, but we will carry forward the lessons she lived so faithfully: to love generously, serve humbly, pray continually, and always be willing to help make things a little better for someone else.

Betty is survived by her son Stanley Paul Branton, grandchildren, Timothy Howell, Jennifer Bru (Michael), Jodi Ford (Jeff), Kody Branton and Shane Branton. Her great-grandchildren, Kacie Bru Walker (William), Matthew Bru, Brailee Joe Dunagan, Jacob Ford, sisters, Janice Monday and Deborah Napier and many nieces and nephews also survive her.

Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home-Saraland on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with funeral services in the funeral home chapel beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Saraland, Alabama immediately following.