Omel Branham

Omel Delorce (Bartley) Branham, 93, was born May 21, 1932 in Pikeville, Kentucky and peacefully departed this earth at her home on Sunday, October 12, 2025 with her daughter by her side after over a decade long battle with dementia. Omel was the oldest of six daughters born to Edgar Bartley and Leona Little Bartley.

She was small in stature, but she was a spitfire of a woman who was fortunate to live a much loved and long happy life. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood with her parents and sisters at the head of Caney Creek and over the years she shared many stories of her family life there. On July 13, 1955 she married a handsome young Army soldier, Burnice L. Branham (known to his family as Franklin D), who treasured and adored her from the moment they met to the day he passed on Jan.2, 2016. Omel and Franklin resided and raised their daughters in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio for about 20 years before moving back to Pikeville, Ky. These two soul mates were Blessed with just over 60 years of marriage. Omel was devoted to her husband and their two daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved them all unconditionally.

Besides her parents and husband, Omel was preceded in death by four sisters; Verla Sue Jarrell, Glenda Jewel Francis, and infant sisters, Glema Lou Joyce Bartley and Glenys Laverne Bartley, as well as brother-in-laws; Acie Newsom and Larry Fon Francis. Also preceding her from her husband's side of the family were her in-laws, Russell and Sarah (Martin) Branham, all twelve of Franklin's siblings (three sisters and nine brothers) and many nieces and nephews.

She leaves behind her daughters and son-in-laws: Lydia Jean and James Doyle, of Murray, Kentucky, and Leona Joan and Thomas Frederick,of New Franklin, Ohio. Additional family members include her grandchildren and their spouses: Ashley Delores (Frederick) and Daniel Brubaker, of Kent, Ohio, Jacob Thomas and Ruchika Frederick, of Los Angeles, California, Heather Nicole (Doyle) and Matthew Brown, of Hahira, Georgia, and Kristin Michele (Doyle) and Christopher Arbaugh, of Nanzdietschweiler, Germany, as well as four great-grandchildren; Devyn Riley Doyle, Mila Copeland and Emma Lee Arbaugh, and Neil Gustav Brubaker. There is also a host of nieces and nephews surviving her from Franklin's side of the family.

Omel is also survived by her beloved sister and best friend for life, Ola B. Newsom, one brother-in-law, Jimmy Jarrell, and her sisters' children, Michael Newsom (Sandy), Angela (Newsom) McClain, Dale Jarrell (Rhonda), Colette Jarrell, and Dr. Larry Bartley Francis.

A special thank you to our Bluegrass Hospice team who cared for our Mother and supported our family during this transition to her Heavenly Home.

Calling hours will be held at Lucas and Son Funeral Home from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, October 17, 2025 with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm. Burial will take place at Annie E Young Cemetery in Shelbiana, Ky. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Bluegrass Hospice.