My mother, Jean Branch (Nelson), passed away last Thursday, January 26th, 2012. I will post a photo essay after sorting through family pictures and scanning the keepers, which might take a while. For now, I'll copy and paste the obituary from the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
BRANCH, JEAN NELSON - age 87 of Knoxville, TN passed away at her home Thursday, January 26, 2012. She was a talented water color artist and a longtime member of the Covert Coloring Society. Jean was also a world traveler with her husband Neal during the 1980s and 1990s. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Neal Branch; brother, Edward Nelson; and her parents. Jean is survived by her two sons, Mark and Benson. A wonderful mother, wife and beloved friend of everyone who knew her, she will be greatly missed by all. "Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die." At her request no services are planned. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , 871 Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN 37909. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.
