ANNIE MAE BRANCH

Obituary

Obituary for Annie Mae Simmos Branch

Annie Mae Simmons Branch went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at age 70. She lived in the Shafter area for the past 55 years. She died at Memorial Hospital due to heart failure.
She was born August 9, 1939 in Augusta, Arkansas to parents Benjamin Columbus Simmons and Mary Agnes Ash Simmons. She was the youngest of nine siblings; Hugh Dolphus, Bill, Virginia, Tom, Sally, Floyd, Boots, and John.
She married James (Poss) Edward Branch January 12th, 1955 in Augusta,… Arkansas. They moved to California August 1955. Annie worked as a homemaker caring for their five children and later their grandchildren. Annie was always delighted to feed loved ones and friends. She loved trying new recipes and cooking for special events, supporting family and church functions, FFA, and other Shafter community events. She loved watching her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids in sports and academic events. She was a “hands on” parent and grandparent, often playing ball, roughhousing, and was often observed playing with trucks, trains, cars, army men, and dollies for special time with the kids.
She is survived by her life long sweet-heart James (Poss) Edward Branch, one daughter Stephanie Diane Pickin and husband Dennis Pickin, and four sons; John Edward Branch, James Arnold Branch, Jerry Curtis Branch and wife Kelly Branch, and Joel Shane Branch and wife Teri Branch. She is also survived by her beloved daughter-in-law Roberta Branch. She is survived by ten grandchildren; Berton James Branch and wife Jessica Branch, Jaclyn Renee Dye and husband Jake Dye, Dianne Marie Tiner and husband Kyle Tiner, Casey Ann Branch, Kaitlyn Noel Lackey and husband Michael Lackey, Robin Branch, Joshua Dean Branch, Alexandra Susanne Branch, and George Gavin Pickin. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren; Jonathan Robert Branch, Caleb Joseph Branch, Riley Joseph Judd, James Ivan Tiner, and Taylor Jane Kimber Dye.
She is predeceased by brothers Hugh Dolphus, Bill, Floyd, and Tom Simmons, and sister Sally Beckett.
Annie’s service will be on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at one pm, under the direction of Peters Funeral Home, at the Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church of God on the corner of Seventh Standard and Santa Fe Rd. Officiant is James Glasco, Pastor. Pallbearers will be her sons John, James, Jerry, and Joel, and her son-in-law Dennis, and grandsons Berton James, Joshua, and Gavin. Visitation will be at the church from noon to one pm. Interment will be at the Shafter Memorial Park on Santa Fe Rd. following the service. Reception at the church will follow the graveside.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to American Cancer Society and/or Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church of God. Special thanks to the ER staff and fourth floor west staff at Memorial Hospital, Dr. Robert Laughlin, Dr. Alan Cartmell, and Dr. Nick Hansa for the wonderful care shown to Annie and the family.
Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”