Carol Eve Branson

Carol Eve Branson received the call she had been waiting on all her life when her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called to tell her Wednesday afternoon, April 16, 2025, that her work on earth was finished and her room in Heaven was finally ready for occupancy. One can only imagine the pure joy when Carol finally met Jesus and worshipped at the feet of God Himself. A lifelong resident of Marietta, Carol was born December 24, 1942, the only child of Ruth Genelle King Branson and James Martin Branson, Jr., both of whom predeceased her. She first lived on Frasier Circle acquiring special friends at Park Street Elementary School, before moving to her final home on Maple Avenue and becoming part of the famous Class of 1960 at Marietta High. Carol compiled a long list of life lessons along her journey of 82 years that you will learn if you are able to attend her celebration service. First and foremost, she was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a loyal member of First Baptist Church of Marietta. Carol’s unique lessons of kindness, generosity and compassion will be described in detail at a very special and meaningful worship service scheduled in the Chapel at First Baptist on at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 21, 2025. Senior Pastor Brandon Owen will share Carol’s list of “Life Lessons” and every single member of the First Baptist professional and administrative staff will participate in the service. As a child, Carol and her family became dear friends of the Proctor family, and Carol began her first ministry with her friend Ann Proctor, who had special needs. Every Saturday in high school, Ann’s parents brought Ann to visit Carol and the two of them immediately embarked on the adventure for the day, first visiting, of course, the Christian bookstore and then made their way around the community. When Ann Proctor passed away, Carol continued a special kinship with Ann’s younger sister, Janice Proctor Prisbus, a dear friend to the end of Carol’s life. After graduation from Georgia State University, Carol went to work for Trust Company Bank as an Accounting Technician for almost 40 years as she continued to live with and care for her parents. Without immediate family, Carol turned to her church and there found a group of extremely loyal friends who cared for her for many years. The team included Harriet Swift, Clair and George Crissey, Beverly and Walter McBride, her leaders and teacher in the FBC Singles Class, Nancy Mitchell and the Mary and Martha SS Class, Marcus McLeroy and the Tuesday morning Yard Crew and Donna and Hap Smith. She was adopted into the Smith family and loved the Smith children and grandchildren who referred to her as “Miss Carol” when they did home projects on her behalf. Carol’s mom, Ruth Branson, taught children’s SS for 30 years and Carol took over her class when Ruth retired and taught the same 2nd Grade SS Class for the next 30 years. It was a 60-year ministry for the Branson family. She also volunteered in the church’s English School and Media Center. Carol cherished her neighborhood birthday club that included Mamie Beasley, Carole Jordan and Penny Morrison-Ross, the wife of her beloved pastor Dr. Bill Ross and the ringleader of the group. She trusted Mike Hebdon and his staff to take care of her life savings. She had a wonderful next-door neighbor, Katarina Gephart, who became her close friend. For many years Carol grew roses in her backyard and took those roses to friends and strangers in need. Carol was very fond of the Women’s Extension and celebrated each woman there who found Jesus and was baptized at First Baptist. She donated hundreds of Bibles, in every translation, to the Women’s Extension and each new follower of Jesus received one. She also donated to those women over a hundred pairs of never worn shoes, still in the box, so they could walk with Jesus in Carol’s shoes. Carol moved to Winnwood Retirement Community in 2020, a great decision where she found a caring and loving staff as well as new friends at the dinner table. She made a key decision in 2024 to turn her house into a home again and welcomed two young people to live there, the vibrant new student minister at First Baptist, Bryon Schirner, and his compassionate wife Haley, who visited her regularly, bringing their dog Scooby Doo, much to her delight. At her request, they referred to her as “Granny Carol”, a term of endearment that Carol relished. Carol looked forward to the regular and meaningful visits of her very personable pastor, Brandon Owen, with whom she was very fond, and she listened to every sermon he preached, teaching her something new every week. She used his illustrations to help create her list of Life Le sons as she always strove to become a better person. In lieu of flowers, those who wish are encouraged to make a donation to Grateful Legacy at First Baptist Church. More importantly, please consider celebrating Carol’s life Monday April 21 at 10:00 and learn of Carol’s life lessons for all those who are following and being formed by Jesus, and more importantly for all those who are not yet so blessed. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements www.mayeswarddobbins.com.

Carol Eve Branson

December 24, 1942 - April 16, 2025