Lorraine Tucker Branch

Lorraine Tucker Branch, after 95 blessed years, left to be with her beloved Jesus in the morning twilight of February 1, 2016. Lorraine, most recently of Biloxi, Mississippi, has many friends and loved ones in Tallahassee, Florida where her body lies awaiting the Rapture.

Lorraine, a life-long Christian, always knew her real home would be in Heaven because “I gave my heart to Jesus when I was six years old. How fortunate I have been to have Jesus in my heart all my life.” That love for Jesus shaped her three children, two grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Lorraine was born May 16, 1920 in Casper, Wyoming to John Dee Tucker and Sadie Cary Tucker. By the age of 7, Lorraine began sojourning across the country, including Amarillo, Texas, Clovis, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. Lorraine met her husband, Charles Hartridge Branch, at a USO dance in New Mexico near the end of World War II. They knew immediately that they were the right ones for each other. They married June 9, 1946 and ultimately settled down near Tallahassee with their young family, though they spent several years back in New Mexico.

Lorraine was devoted to her family, but she also enjoyed two careers before her children were born and after they were grown: Chief Telephone Operator for Mountain States Bell Telephone and a much-relied-on troubleshooter for the Driver License Division in the Sunshine State’s capital city.

Lorraine was predeceased by her beloved husband in 1983, and more recently by two sisters she adored: Cathleen Massey and Edith Gurley. Lorraine’s great wisdom, love, and humble spirit will be greatly missed by her three children and their spouses, Charles H. Branch, Jr. and Jann, Carol Branch VanDruff and Stan, and Alan Cary Branch and Nancy; two grandchildren and their spouses Audrey Branch Stevenson and Michael, and Stephanie Branch Mayo and Mark; and three great-grandchildren Tyler Alan Stevenson, Jade Elisabeth Stevenson, and Madden Preston Mayo. Lorraine didn’t think she had any in-laws because she loved everyone like family.