Marvine Branham-Barnes
September 10, 1928 - December 22, 2020
Obituary
Marvine Alcievon (Von) Branham-Barnes was born September 10, 1928 in Franklinton, LA and died from complications of COVID 19 the evening of December 22, 2020 in Seattle, WA. She was the oldest of nine children born to Julia Mae Watson Barnes and Marvin Barnes of Franklinton, LA.
Von accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness, USA in Franklinton, LA. She attended public schools in Washington Parish, Franklinton, LA. An exceptional and apt student, she graduated from Franklinton High School and enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA at the age of 16.
Always independent and daring, Von left Southern University at the age of 18 to enlist in the United States Women’s Army Corps during the Korean War. While stationed at Ft. Lawton Army Base in Seattle WA, she was introduced to United States Navy veteran, Neil C. Branham Sr. who happened to work at Bethlehem Steel with her cousin, Janey Warren’s husband Willie Warren, Sr. They fell in love and were married. After an honorable discharge from service at Fort Lawton, seven children were born to this union: Philip, Neil, Kevin, Anthony, April, Martha and Christopher. She worked and retired from, the United States Postal Service after a number of years.
Von always maintained a spiritual focus in her life. She converted to the Catholic faith and united with St. Joseph Catholic Church of Seattle and later St. Therese where she remained a lifelong member. She was a proud member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Court 218.
Having grown up in the segregated south, Von always wanted the best for her children and made sure that they were treated fairly growing up. At 5’0, she was fearless and selfless in her pursuit of fairness and justice. Education was extremely important and she taught her children and others to always strive for excellence.
A gracious host, Von loved to cook and entertain house guests. She welcomed others into her house and lovingly imparted her knowledge, wisdom and insight to all. She had a great sense of style and fashion and loved to sing. She sang with several local choirs and especially enjoyed singing and traveling with the St. Therese “Shades of Praise” choir. A creative person, she had a love of photography, painting and playing the piano.
Truly an intelligent, inspirational and remarkable woman, Von is preceded in death by her son, Kevin Branham Sr. of Las Vegas, NV. Left to cherish her memory are: beloved Aunt, Mrs. Edith Dyson of San Francisco, CA; siblings: Mrs. Mona Anderson of Los Angeles, CA and Mr. Bobbie Barnes of Seattle, WA; children: Anthony, April, Christopher (Gail), Martha Branham-Faty (Sadio Faty Sr. deceased), Neil Jr. and Philip (Debra); grandchildren; a host of nieces; nephews; grandnieces; grandnephews; great-grandchildren; cousins; other beloved family members and many dear friends.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions a Private Interment was held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. A memorial celebration of her life will be scheduled at St. Therese Church, Seattle at a later date when conditions allow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the memory of Marvine Branham-Barnes to Mary’s Place at www.marysplaceseattle.org.
Mom, we truly miss you and your beautiful smile. We will always live you. Thank you for your love💕
To the FAMILY:
So very sorry for your loss. Growing up we spent alot of time with the family. Thought we were related. She will be remembered with fond memories and much love and respect
Phil, Debra and Family,
What a beautiful life story to cherish forever wherever you are. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. God’s blessings, Yvonne
We, children of Charles and Gwendolyn Gill, will remember with great fondness “Von” and the many years our dear moms would come together for coffee!
It is with great honor we share our thoughts and prayers for the Branham children/family in saying…
There is comfort in knowing
Death is not the end,
Those who die in Christ
Will live eternally.
In my Father’s House are many rooms;
If it were not so I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14.2
Sending love,
The Gill Family