Joyce Ophelia Branham

Joyce Ophelia Branham, born on September 29, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, left this world on January 9, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama. Her life was a tapestry woven with dedication, passion, and love, particularly for the beauty of nature and her cherished family.

Joyce was an accomplished caretaker of plants. Her commitment to horticulture blossomed into the creation of beautiful gardens and inspiring floral arrangements. She derived immense joy from gardening, spending treasured moments at Guntersville State Park and Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where she cultivated not only plants but also her understanding and appreciation of their varied wonders. Each bloom and leaf seemed to resonate with the happiness she found in nurturing life, making it a dream come true for her to immerse herself in such beauty.

In pursuit of her passion, Joyce studied horticulture, diligently working toward a bachelor's degree, though she fell just one credit short. Nonetheless, her knowledge and enthusiasm for plants were evident to all who knew her. She was a stern yet loving presence, especially towards her grandchildren, showcasing a soft spot that brought warmth to their hearts.

Her role extended beyond gardening; she was a devoted member of her community and faith. As a proud Jehovah's Witness, Joyce poured her energy into field service and participated earnestly in Theocratic ministry school. Her devotion to her spiritual life reflected her deep commitment to helping others, a testament to her caring nature.

Joyce’s family was her greatest pride and joy. She is survived by her beloved brothers Tracy Kelly, and Timothy Kelly, sisters Elethea Pearce, Celeste Cadogan, and Donna Gabriel, along with her dear children Matthew Pearson (Melissa), Nathan Pearson, Ethan Pearson, Eugene Patterson Jr. (Sarah), and Amber Lopez (Marcos). She also leaves behind the laughter and love of her eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, who will hold on to her memory in their hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her cherished mother Pearl Palmer, father Harold Kelly, and sister Barbara Kelly. The profound loss is felt with the absence of her late husband, Richard Branham, a retired Navy veteran who shared a life filled with love and companionship. Joyce also wept for the loss of her son Dean Pearson and Father of 4 of her beloved sons, Bill Pearson.

A memorial service honoring Joyce's life will be held on January 25, 2025, at 2 PM at 16121 Chaney Thompson Rd SE, Huntsville All, where family and friends are invited to join in celebrating a remarkable woman who found purpose in nurturing both her gardens and the lives of those around her. Joyce Ophelia Branham’s legacy of love and dedication will continue to bloom in the hearts of those she touched, as her spirit lives on in the beauty of the gardens she adored and the lives she enriched.