Barbara Ruth Smith Branch

“Fight the good fight, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 KJV Barbara Ruth Smith Branch, age 87, of Friendsville, TN passed peacefully from this life on January 10, 2025, into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was a beloved mother of four, grandmother to nine and great-grandmother to eleven. Born in Knoxville, TN on July 2, 1937, to Wilmer C. and Ruth Opal Smith. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend throughout the years of her life and leaves us with a treasured legacy of love and compassion. She felt a true calling from God to send cards and letters to her fellow church members, friends and acquaintances. Barbara spent her life assisting her husband in building their life together and taking part in his many career endeavors and raising their four children. She most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends in the beautiful home that she and her husband built together. She enjoyed reading, tending to her beautiful flowers, playing Scrabble and clipping coupons. Some of her favorite pastimes was looking at old photos while reminiscing about her childhood and adolescence in the Marble City area of Knoxville, she also enjoyed talking about ancestry and her heritage. Barbara was a lifelong member of “The Church of God of the Union Assembly” in Knoxville. Her surviving family will miss her presence, patience in teaching, her ability to listen and offer advice, and the love that she showed for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilmer and Ruth Opal Smith; sister Linda Miller and brothers, William “Bill” Smith and Kenneth “Cotton” Smith. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, James C. Branch Sr.; her children Darlene Boles, Jeanne Coker (Darden), James C. “Jimmy” Branch Jr., and Sandy Bilbrey (Kenneth); her grandchildren: Tanya, Daniel, Preston, Matthew, Tyler, Sarah, Brandon, Brandi and Morgan; and many great grandchildren, one (Jaylyn Denney) and her (Mother Stephanie Parton) who helped immensely with compassionate loving care in her final months. Also survived are her brothers and sisters; Betty Whitehead; Mickey (Faye) Smith; Joyce Pitner; Junior (Jane Smith); Ronnie (Debbie) Smith and Vivian Madden. The family would like to say thank you for every card, prayer, help and visit that you made on moms’ behalf. I know she enjoyed each and everyone. We would also like to say thank you to Lauren with Amedysis Hospice for your patience, kindness and compassion you showed to our mother. We greatly appreciate you. Also, Mom and Dad would like to thank Pam Smelcer for her years of love and help. Pallbearers: Chris Davis; Junior Eads; Phillip Madden; Chris Smith; Dwayne Smith and Randy Whitehead. Visitation will be Thursday, January 16, from 5:00-7:00pm at “The Church of God of the Union Assembly” located at 3428 Keith Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921 with Funeral Services to follow visitation with Rev. Allen Massengill, Rev. David Simmons and Rev Junior Eads officiating the service. Burial services will be held at Big Springs Presbyterian Apostolic Church Cemetery, 115 Meadow Rd, Friendsville, TN 37737 on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 1:00pm. Please be here by 12:45.

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Barbara Ruth Smith Branch

July 2, 1937 - January 10, 2025