Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Melissa Branham Obituary
April 16, 1937 - November 26, 2023
Susan Melissa Branham, age 86, passed away at home on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 7th at the First Lutheran Church, Greensboro, NC.
Melissa was born April 16th, 1937, to Barzillai Graves Kerr and Roline Torrence Kerr in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The Family moved to Jamestown in 1948. She attended Jamestown High School where she played basketball and was a majorette with the band. She remained an active member of the Jamestown Alumni Association.
Melissa attended Salem College making lifelong friends.
Working in Greensboro, she met and married William 'Bill' Branham in 1963. They have one daughter, Susan.
The family moved to Atlanta in 1972. Melissa was involved in many community activities and clubs. Tennis, Garden, and Book club, just to name a few. She discovered a new found love of art and took up drawing and painting. Her love of animals started as a child and throughout her life she adopted many animals.
In 1979, they moved to Sarasota FL for 10 years. Both Bill and Melissa got involved in International Rotary. Melissa was a 'Rotary Ann' and she made friends from around the world.
Once they retired, Bill and Melissa returned to Greensboro. Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. They rejoined First Lutheran, both becoming active members. Melissa's love of music led her to learn to play the hand bells for the church and she played for many years. Her passion for gardening led her to join Ingleside Garden club, she was a member for over 30 years.
Melissa had a zest for life, loved to socialize and have a good time. She had a wickedly silly sense of humor. Melissa was kind, sweet and a friend to all who knew her.
Melissa is survived by her daughter Susan Branham Kinder and her son-in-law Mark Kinder of Fort Lauderdale.
Brothers,
James Lee Kerr of Burlington, NC.
Thomas Jackson Kerr of Burlington, NC and sister-in-law Bonnie.
Roland Torrence Kerr of Greensboro, NC and sister-in-law Bonita.
In Lieu of Flowers, please make contributions to
St Jude Children's Hospital
The Salvation Army
The ASPCA
And First Lutheran Church Endowment fund (that provides for worthy causes and benevolence)
Memories and Condolences
for Melissa Branham
5 Entries
Gary Stirewalt
December 17, 2023
I had the privilege of doing Melissa's hair for the last few years. What a wonderful lady in every sense of the word. She was such a a delightful soul. She was always more interested in what I was doing than talking about herself. Although she did love to talk about her daughter and son-in-law. How very proud she was of them. I will miss our time in the salon together. Thank you Melissa for all you did for me.
Nanci Cole
December 14, 2023
I always enjoyed our conversations. She was a sweet person.Very saddened by her passing.
Karen Henson Hanley
December 5, 2023
Dear Susan and all the Branhams,
Karen Hanley here - Evelyn Henson's daughter. Mother and I were both so saddened to hear of Melissa's passing. Melissa was such a lovely woman - a very dear friend to Evelyn, and also a good friend to me. Mother and I talked this evening and reminisced about Melissa and their many years of friendship. Mother met Melissa and Bill when she and dad moved to Henderson Rd. She said you were just a baby, Susan - so tiny and sweet. Evelyn really enjoyed both your parents as neighbors and was sad when they moved away - me too ! But then quite a few years later, there was a new family in the previous Branham home, and so of course Mother took her usual brownies to greet the new neighbors, and lo and behold Bill answered the door and said "Well Evelyn, I know you." Mother was so surprised and so happy her old friends were back ! Melissa and Bill were such good friends to Mother over the years, even after Mother moved. After Bill passed, Melissa continued her friendship with Evelyn, visiting often and staying in touch. After Mother could not get out and about, Melissa would often come visit, and without fail, every Christmas she brought Mother a beautiful poinsettia. Melissa was such a kind and caring person, beautiful inside and out, and we will miss her. I asked Mom what one thing she would say about Melissa - and she said Melissa was a true and wonderful friend. I agree completely. Sadly, Evelyn cannot attend the funeral as she does not get out much these days and I am in VA, but please know we will both be thinking of you all.
With our deepest sympathy, Evelyn and Karen
Karen Hall
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed sooooo much our night out. I would pick up Melissa and the other ladies for dinner and then take them to a local play. We had the best time!
Karen Hall
How you can show support
Buren Haggai
December 4, 2023
Melissa and I shared a friendship throughout our senior high school years at Jamestown High School. She was A friendly, soft-spoken classmate ... liked by everyone.,
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Melissa Branham's name
Memorial Events
for Melissa Branham
People and places connected with Melissa
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro News & Record
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Melissa's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Melissa Branham's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
