Jane Branch Beddard

1928 - 2017

Mrs. Jane Branch Beddard

Roanoke Rapids

Jane Branch Beddard died on January 13, 2017 in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. She was born on September 11, 1928 on a tobacco farm near Winterville, NC to the late Jesse and Louise (Pittman) Branch. Jane grew up with five brothers and two sisters. Jane married the late James Russell Beddard and they began their married life of 60 years in Roanoke Rapids.

Jane was a stay at home mom until 1966. During that time she worked as a reweaver at home. In addition, she was active in the PTA, voting poll worker and Census taker. Jane enjoyed growing roses and sewing for the home and family.

In order to help with her children's future college costs, Jane began work at Leggett's Dept. Store on Roanoke Avenue in 1966. She helped people pick out patterns, fabrics, and notions. Later she switched to sportswear, having inventoried enough buttons for a lifetime.

After 24 years, Jane retired and traveled with Russell to various Elder Hostels, her favorite being Prince Edward Island. Jane continued being active in Rosemary Baptist Church coordinating X.Y.Z. bus tours and programs while also being an active member of the library committee, giving book talks at Wednesday night suppers. This was important to Jane because she loved to read and wanted others to feel the excitement.

In her later years, Jane really enjoyed the Silver Sneakers class. Having lost Russell in 2008, and with her children living far away, the class gave Jane the opportunity to be around so many new friends in her mid-80's. Friends, family and neighbors were the riches of Jane's life. As long as she had someone to talk to, she didn't long for anything else.

Jane is survived by her son, James Russell Beddard, Jr, (wife Mary) of Williamsburg, VA; four grandchildren, Alison Beddard, David Beddard, Lindsay Milbrandt, Tom Roberts; her brother Robert Branch (wife Carolyn) and sister Nancy Smith; sisters-in-law Ielena Branch, Arlyn Branch, Pat Branch, and Dolly Branch.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband James "Russell" Beddard and daughter Mary Carolyn Roberts; her siblings Rose Branch, Dick Branch, Frank Branch, Jerrold Branch and Mike Branch.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 17th at 11:00 A.M. at Rosemary Baptist Church with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the church. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers should be made to Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson St., Roanoke Rapids, N.C. 27870.

Wrenn, Clarke, and Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service is serving the family, online condolences can be made to www.wrennclarkehagan.com