Webster Lee Branch, suddenly transitioned to his Heavenly home on Saturday, May 21, 2022. He was born on April 7, 1942, to the late Nathan, Sr. and Queen Estelle Burrell Branch in Cumberland County, Virginia. He was the fourth of nine children born into their union. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Walter, Charlie, and George and Mary Branch.
Accepting Christ at an early age, Webster was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cumberland County, Virginia. After moving to Charles City County, Virginia in 1990 he joined Little Elam Baptist Church and remained a loyal, dedicated and faithful member for over 30 years. Once becoming a member Webster decided to join several auxiliaries throughout the church. He served as an Usher, Trustee, Hospitality Committee, Sunday School teacher and Male Chorus member. Despite failure to his mobility health he still remained a faithful servant. Diligently every Sunday morning he would watch religious services.
Webster attended public schools in Cumberland County and later graduated from Luther P. Jackson High School. At the rightful age of fourteen his first occupation was working at the local country store C D Brown’s. Upon graduating high school Webster received numerous accolades and certificates in Auto Mechanic Operation and Dredge Operation. As time went on he decided to pursue entrepreneurship, and owning a service station for several years. Once receiving his certification and degrees he moved to Richmond, Virginia to further pursue his profession. He worked for Henrico County School Systems as a Bus technician and Bus operator for a numerous years. After leaving Henrico County School System, he transitioned to Richmond Public Utilities Department, where he worked as a Dredge Operator for over twenty years on the James River.
Before retiring, Webster was an avid outdoorsman and repairman. He enjoined hunting, fishing, cultivation, repairing neighbors’ lawnmowers and giving automotive advice. He also enjoyed watching sports some were softball, baseball, football, boxing, but especially wrestling. Webster loved to watch wrestling every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday nights. Once his daughter Whitney was born they would watch wrestling together and have “Father and Daughter time”. He carried that tradition on with his grandson, Amir until his passing.
Webster befriended a lot people from numerous localities. They would often say, “He was a kind- hearted man”. He most definitely was a conversationalist, who could talk to you for hours about any topic. A lot of people thought “Branch” was his first name. Only because he preferred to be address by his surname. He left a lasting impression on the people he met. Especially, the men in our community, they would often seek advice whether it was mechanical work or personal. The morals and values instill in him, Webster carried throughout his life. He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.
He is survived by “Puddin” his wife of thirty-one years Julene “Renee”; his sons, Tim McLauren (Demetra); Craig and Jermaine Branch all of Richmond, Virginia; his daughter, Whitney Branch (Greg) of Charles City, Virginia; three grandsons, CJ Branch, TJ McLauren both of Richmond, Virginia and Amir Owhin of Charles City, Virginia ; four great- grandchildren, Jaiden, Kameron, Kennedi and Adonis; three brothers Nathan Branch, Jr. Ellis Branch( Katherine) of Cumberland, Virginia and John Branch, Sr. of Fredericksburg, Virginia; one sister Freda Langhone (Thomas) of Cumberland, Virginia, one sister at heart Loretta Crawley of Charles City, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Irene Branch of Cumberland, Virginia and Patricia Janes (Lonnie) of Richmond, Virginia; mother at heart Deaconess Edith Atkins; and a host of friends, devoted ( Spencer Tyler, Ray Hampton, Joseph Jones, Sr. and Rev. Daniel Wallace, Sr.) nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
“Rest In Peace My Sweets” Love Puddin
A celebration of life will be held 1PM Friday, May 27, 2022, at Vincent Funeral Home, Providence Forge, VA. The viewing will be 2 hours prior to the service on Friday. Rev. James Johnson, Eulogist. Interment to follow in the Little Elam Baptist Church Cemetery
