Darlene LaKaye Branch
1960 – 2021
~I'm going to a place where I'll have nothing, but just walk around, walk around heaven all day~

Darlene LaKaye Branch was born April 11, 1960, and grew up in Madison, FL. However, she resided in Tallahassee, FL 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.

Kaye began her educational experience in the Madison County School District, earning her high school diploma as a graduate 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, FL. 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 the 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 advice giver 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 appreciated the relaxing experiences that only cruises provided.

Kaye's life journey ended unexpectedly on Thursday,September 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.

Preceding Kaye in death were her parents, Freddie Branch, Sr. and Essie Mae Jackson Branch.

To forever cherish her loving memory are her sisters: Rhonda Gail (Leroy) Alexander, Phyllis (Booker) Edwards, all of Madison, FL, Pamela (Darrell) Hollie of Lake City, FL, and Wendy Branch, of Madison, FL; brother: Peter Branch, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; nephews, raised as sons: Tony Davis, Anton Baynard, and Marvin Peacock, Jr., all of Madison, FL; nieces, raised as daughters: Crystal Davis, of Madison, FL and Brittany Sermons of Tallahassee, FL; aunts: Mary Mobley and Bertha Cooks, both of Madison, FL; uncle: Freddie Branch; special friends: Dr. Jacques Amilcar and Saderia Gurley; and a hosts of other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.