Essie Mae Edgerton Branch

Departed this life November 29, 2003 at 5 a.m. at Chippenham Hospital, Richmond, Va., Mrs. Essie Mae Edgerton Branch. She is survived by her devoted children, Melissa Branche Malone, Mary Branche-Welch Brown (Freddie Brown), Richmond, Va., Ret. Sgt. Maj. Clarence A Branch, U.S.Army (Patricia-Spouse), both of El Paso, Texas, and William G. Branch of Richmond, Va. She was predeceased by their eldest son, Thomas McKinley Branch of Newport News, Va. (7/8/95) (spouse, Etta H. Branch). She also leaves to mourn her death 10 grandchildren, 10 1/2 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and two loving and caring friends, Thomas and Dorothy Mondrey. Remains rest at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull St., Richmond, Va., where the family will receive friends Wednesday 7 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Jefferson Park, Newport News, Va., on December 4, 2003, 11 a.m. Rev. Reginald Woodhouse, pastor, officiating. Interment Hampton Memorial Gardens.