Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, Murlin B. Branson, 95, of Baker, WV entered the gates of glory on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from her earthly residence to take up permanent residence in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Grammy, as she was affectionately known by her family was born on October 12, 1928, in Bergton, VA. She graduated from Broadway High School in 1946.  Murlin married Robert N. Branson the love of her life and devoted husband on October 30, 1948 in Oakland, MD. Shortly after, she became an active member, Sunday school teacher, choir participant, and leader beside her church family at Lost River United Methodist Church. She lived her life by the word of God, nothing being more precious to her. She had written in her Bible that the master key to spiritual growth is in glorifying God; love, balance and integrity were her key words for life. She glorified Him by faithfully studying God's Word, end times prophecy, as well as praying daily for her family, friends, community, and farm who have reaped and continue to reap the blessings from her faithfulness to scriptures and prayer.

Grammy came alongside her husband Bob building a family and a farm from the ground up. She helped coordinate the farm by answering phone calls, delivering messages, harvesting animals, and making calf milk. She joyfully took care of her home, mowed, and loved her garden. She faithfully supported, loved, cared for and served her family and many farm visitors at their table. Murlin and Bob were charter members of the Mathias Fire Co. and Auxiliary. She was also a respected leader of the Hardy County Extension Homemakers, later the CEOS, from 1948 - 2012 (64 years) where her wisdom and talents helped her mentor, lead, and serve ladies in the Lost River Valley and Hardy County.

Murlin was proceeded in death by Robert Branson her lifelong companion, who passed away on May 16, 2021, her parents Perry Samuel Lantz and Ella Mae (Moyer) Lantz; her sisters: Eunice, Ina, Edith, Lucille, Wilda and Bernice; brothers, Lloyd, Earl, Norman and Ivan and grandson-in-law, Greg Reed.

She is survived by her faithful sons Randy Branson (Debra) and Rodney Branson (Patricia), both of Baker, WV who carry on their parents legacy; grandchildren: Renee Reed, Brian Branson (JuliAnn), Chris Branson all of Baker WV, Chad Branson (Micah) of Broadway, VA; great-grandchildren: Shannon Hahn, Julia Hahn, Andrew Hahn, Makinley Branson, Leighton Branson, and Corbin Branson, great-great grandson: Jace Riggleman and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Murlin's life will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Lost River United Methodist Church, Lost River, WV with Pastor Deborah Shreve officiating.  Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Lost River, WV.

There will be no family visitation, but those wishing to pay their respects and sign a guestbook, may do so on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at McKee Funeral Home, Baker, WV from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Greenwood Cemetery, c/o Debbie Branson, 192 Big Ridge Rd, Baker, WV, 26801.

The family would like to thank the Last Minute Lily's, truly angels that have surrounded Grammy for the last 3 years in her home. The family would also like to thank Hardy County Committee on Aging for providing weekly in-home meals and Grant Memorial Hospice for their end-of-life care and pastoral support.

All arrangements are being handled by McKee Funeral Home, Baker, WV.