Linda M. Branch, 80, of Crawfordville, Fla., died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 29, at
HCA Florida Capital Hospital in Tallahassee.
Ms. Branch will be remembered as a kind-hearted, free-spirited soul and a great animal
lover who treasured her cats and dogs. Over the course of her life, she spent many
happy years as a homemaker and held positions at Florida State University in the
admissions, financial aid and other departments. She also earned a bachelor’s degree
from the university, graduating in 1990. An artist at heart and an accomplished crafter,
for several years Ms. Branch ran a home-based business called Air Plant
Arrangements.
The daughter of the late J.G. and Eloise Hollister, she grew up on her family’s farm near
Marianna, in Jackson County, Fla. She was married for 60 years to Kenneth Branch,
also a native of Jackson County. Their family traveled the country for Mr. Branch’s
career, living in Missouri, Texas, California, Alabama and various Florida cities, including
West Palm Beach and Lakeland, before settling in a home north of Quincy where they
lived for more than 25 years. Mr. Branch died in 2020.
Ms. Branch is survived by her daughter, Joni Branch, and grandson, Jack Branch
Straub, both of Tallahassee; brother Charles Hollister and his wife, Annie, of Marianna;
several nieces and nephews; and her beloved fiancé, Bruce Butler of Crawfordville.
Arrangements are being handled by Lifesong Funerals and Cremations. A celebration of
life is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory
of Ms. Branch to the Leon County Humane Society.
