Betty Jean Branan

Betty Jean Roberts Branan, aged 87, passed away at home in Hiawassee, Georgia, on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Betty was born and raised in Crosland, Georgia amid a large farm family. Known as “Betsy” as a child, she loved school and reading, tagging along behind sister Hazel and brother Buddy at their renowned “peanut boils,” and picking blackberries with her father in the cool of the evening. She was often spoiled by older sisters who worked in Moultrie and would gift her with store-bought dresses. As a teenager at Norman Park High School, Betty was Editor of the Normanesque and was voted Most Popular and Miss N.P.H.S. -- alongside her future husband, Tony Branan, who was Mr. N.P.H.S. After marrying in 1958, the couple moved to California, where Betty supported Tony’s Army service by working at Cummings Construction – a family business who encouraged and loved her, and for whom she held lasting, fond memories.

After returning to Georgia, where Tony built a career in engineering, Betty focused on homemaking and child-rearing. Notably, though, whenever she applied herself outside the home, Betty was efficient and successful, whether as President of the Women of Georgia Power or secretary for Pine Lake Baptist Church. She relished thriving in professional settings. After her two daughters left for college, Betty enjoyed positions in a law office and two banks and after retiring to Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, Betty pivoted to insurance, working for Marvin Davenport, whom she respected greatly.

Tony and Betty cherished their Atlanta friendships, especially from First Baptist Church, Stone Mountain – as long as they were able, they returned annually for a New Year’s Eve ritual of bridge and reminiscing. After moving to North Georgia, Tony and Betty traveled widely with newfound friends to destinations such as the West Coast, Canada, and Alaska; these were happy times.

Tony and Betty have two daughters, Sarita Boozer (Bob) and Tonita Branan, who honor their mother’s family loyalty and the sacrifices she made for them, especially their educations. She also leaves five grandchildren: Sarah Bell (Nick), Benjamin Thomas (Ori), William Brechtelsbauer, Laura Brechtelsbauer, and David Boozer, who loved “G-Mama” for her Thanksgiving feasts, Chicken Foot, and warm towels and brownies after boating on the lake. Finally, Tony and Betty were blessed these last years with three great-grandchildren: Brooks Bell, Bane Thomas, and Lilah Thomas. Betty treasured the patter of tiny feet and smudged handprints on glass doors; these last months, her great sadness was leaving these “precious little ones” behind. And there will never be another G-Mama.

Betty is predeceased by her parents, Joseph Clayton Roberts, Sr. and Annie Belle (Trawick) Roberts, and her six siblings: Doris Grogan, Hazel Covington, J.C. (Buddy) Roberts, Jr., Lula Mae Young, Dorothy Miller, and Johnny Roberts.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 9, at 10 a.m. at Cool Springs Free Will Baptist Church (2559 Ellenton-Norman Park Rd, Norman Park, GA 31771). An 11 a.m. service will immediately follow.