Melvin E. Branch

Melvin Branch Obituary

Mr. Melvin E. Branch, Ike, 83, of 1446 Baylors Lane, Petersburg, departed this life on Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, at Southside Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 27, 1927, to the late Garland and Mary Caddie Branch. He was a native of Dinwiddie and attended Dinwiddie Public Schools. He later moved to Petersburg, where he was currently residing.

Mr. Branch was married to the late Mary L. Jenkins. He was a loving and caring person, shy like, but always smiling and willing to help others. His hobbies consisted of building, cutting grass and playing cards.

Mr. Branch was employed at Crestline Glass Company for 10 years, then was employed by Roper Bros. Lumber Company where he retired after 15 years of service. He also worked part time at Helig-Meyers as a custodian helper. He attended little Zion Baptist Church, Carson, during his younger years. At the age of 80, he decided to join Metropolitan Baptist Church, Petersburg, where he felt at home and attended until his declining health.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers; three sisters; and one son, Melvin L. Branch.

He leaves to carry on his legacy: his devoted and loving daughter, Martha B. Fisher; his son, Artura Holloway; stepdaughter, Johnett Robertson; a devoted and caring son-in-law, Bernard Fisher Jr.; a devoted step son-in-law, Edward Robertson; six grandchildren, Bernard Fisher III (Laverne), Bryant Fisher (Sonya), Kirk Fisher (Sherita), Artura Hawley, Dominique Scott and Toney Byrd; two stepgrandchildren, Renee Thrope and Edward Robertson Jr.; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Charles Branch (Arlene) and Percell Branch (Yvonne); two sisters-in-law, Marie Branch and Velma Branch, both of Troy, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly; a number of friends and loving relatives, among them a devoted friend of 54 years, Louise Holloway; and close friends, David Chavis, Randy Inge and Sam Kenneon.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, Petersburg. The Rev. William N. Bland Jr. will officiate. Interment will follow in Southlawn Cemetery, Petersburg. The family will assemble at noon on the day of the service at 1633 Darby Drive, Petersburg, and may be contacted at (804) 733-5307.

Arrangements entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg. Condolences may be sent to www.blandenterprisesinc.com

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Published by The Progress-Index from Nov. 21 to Nov. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Branch

2 Entries

Sharon Branch-Thomas

November 24, 2010

Branch Family:
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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