Mara Elizabeth Purcell Branham

Mara Elizabeth Purcell Branham, age 88, died Sunday, June 13, 2010, at The Wexford House, Kingsport, Tennessee.

Mara was born February 9, 1922, in Tazewell, Virginia, to Matthew Van and Mara Elizabeth Stanton Purcell.

Mara Branham lived most of her life in Kingsport. She graduated as valedictorian of her class from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport in 1940. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1943, with a degree in Business Administration and worked for several years in her family's businesses in Kentucky. She also taught French for a short time at Washington Elementary School. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport. For many years she was active in the Cub Scouts, the League of Women Voters, and the Civil Air Patrol. She was also a member of Echoes and of the Hannah Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church and also of the Eastern Star Liberty Chapter #198.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, MaraVann Branham.

Survivors include three sons, James W. Branham, Jr. and wife Joy, Matthew V. Branham, Eugene W. Branham and wife Becky; daughter, Mara Elizabeth "Libby" Craven and husband Barry; grandsons, Jon Branham and wife Dana, Ethan Vicars, Brenton Laws; granddaughters, Grace Vicars, Colleen Branham, Caitlin Branham; great-grandsons, Luke Branham and Cole Branham; and by long-time best friend Emily Leach.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family will serve as pallbearers.

The family's thanks go to all of her good friends at The Wexford House.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Kingsport; 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN, 37660.