Darlene LaKaye Branch, 61, grew up in Madison, Fla., but resided in Tallahassee, Fla., her entire adult life. Affectionately known as Kaye, she was one of the six children born to Peter Branch, Sr. and Essie Mae Jackson Branch. Both parents preceded her in death.
Lawnside celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Oakridge No. 1 Cemetery, located at 394 NW Meeting Ave., in Madison. A public viewing and visitation will be held from 4p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, located at 379 W. Base St., in Madison.
Kaye began her educational experience in the Madison County School District, earning her high school diploma as a member of the Class of 1978 at Madison High School. Kaye furthered her education at Florida Community College where she earned her Associates of Arts (A.A.) degree.
Earlier in her life, Kaye accepted Christ as her Savior, was baptized by faith, and became an active member of Pineland Missionary Baptist Church in Madison. Her faith in God was unshakable and was evident in the way she lived and interacted with others.
Kaye was one who never met a stranger. Her friendliness, winning smile, willingness to be of service, genuine concern for others and the ease she had in starting a conversation reflected her warm people skills. Accordingly, she was in her natural element as waitress at Golden Corral Restaurant, a part-time position she maintained for 30 years. She also applied these same qualities in her daily routine on her career job of 34 years at the Florida Department of Insurance.
Kaye loved her family and looked forward to spending time with them. Although she had no biological children, she regarded her nieces and nephews as her own and they considered her to be their second mom/the “fun” auntie. Kaye was very generous in ensuring their wants and needs were met but most of all, for keeping the communication lines open. She was a great listener and a non-judgmental advisor who always “kept it real.”
After settling down from her busy work schedule, Kaye enjoyed watching her favorite television series on the western network —Gunsmoke, The Big Valley, Bonanza, to name a few. She also looked forward to using her vacation time for traveling. She really enjoyed being laid back and appreciating the relaxing experiences that only cruises provided.
Kaye’s life journey ended unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. Although her loved ones’ hearts are heavy, they can celebrate her life and find comfort knowing that she has earned her angel wings and is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
To forever cherish her loving memory are her sisters: Rhonda Gail (Leroy) Alexander, Phyllis (Booker) Edwards, all of Madison; Pamela (Darrell) Hollie, of Lake City, Fla.; and Wendy Branch, of Madison; brother, Peter Branch, Jr., of Jacksonville, Fla.; nephews raised as sons: Tony Davis, Anton Baynard and Marvin Peacock, Jr., all of Madison; nieces raised as daughters, Crystal Davis, of Madison, and Brittany Sermons, of Tallahassee; aunts, Mary Mobley and Bertha Cooks, both of Madison; uncle, Freddie Branch; special friends, Dr. Jacques Amilcar and Saderia Gurley; as well as a host of other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Branch family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services, Madison, (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.