Margie Nell Branch of Hermiston passed away in Hermiston on Jan. 19, 2023 at the age of 75.
She was born on Jan. 22, 1947 in Center, Texas to Travis and Eula Mae Horton Morris.
Margie grew up in Center, Texas until moving to Hermiston with her family in 1958. She attended school in Hermiston until an accident left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. She never let her limited abilities slow her down. She was able to continue as a homemaker and provide care and love for her two children.
Margie loved going to church, cooking and surrounding herself with family and friends. She was a strong example for so many, enduring many struggles, and continued to shine bright. She eventually moved to Seattle, Wash., where she met the love of her life, James Branch. The couple were united in marriage in 1985 and built a life together. They returned to Hermiston to be closer to family and friends.
Margie’s door was always open, either for an extended stay or just for a little fellowship. She never turned anyone away and always made room and time. The best thing of all, she made you family. Margie’s home was always filled; she participated in raising not only her two children but countless nieces, nephews, grandchildren and numerous children she made family. She was a mighty woman of God who was loved by so many. Her presence here will leave an absence that can never be filled. “To our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend, we love you. Rest in God’s eternal peace!”
Margie is survived by a daughter, Benita Morris of Seattle, Wash.; stepmother, Nell Morris of Center, Texas; sister, Bessie Mangum of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother, Carlwayne Morris; brother, CW Morris; sister, Annette Morris; sister, Jeanette Morris of Center, Texas; sister, Linda Bell of Seattle, Wash.; brother, William Bell; brother, James Bell; brother, John Thomas; sister, Gladys Morrison; sister, Tina Thomas; sister, Rose Thomas of Hermiston; eight grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.
Margie was preceded in death by her husband, James Branch; son, JT Morris; parents, John and Eula Mae Thomas; father, Travis Morris; sister, Marylou Howard; brother, Timmie Thomas; and nephew, Davion Chalmers.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023 at Zeal Church, 730 E. Hurlburt Ave., Hermiston.
Burial will follow in the Hermiston Cemetery.
A reception will follow the graveside service at the Hermiston Senior Center, 255 N.E. Second St.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
