Gloria Wadsworth Branyon

Gloria Wadsworth Branyon, 76, of Athens passed away peacefully Saturday July 6th, 2013.
Originally from Manchester Ga., she moved to Athens in 1965 with her husband, Dr. Donald L. Branyon, Jr. and son Philip.Soon after, two daughters, Lynda and Judi were born. Gloria was an excellent nurse, loving wife and kind, patient mother. She was a supportive and caring friend. Said one: "I know she loved ME because she always listened and knewexactly the right thing to say at just the right time." Her family agrees. She was loved very much and will truly be missed. Gloria graduated from Manchester High School as class Valedictorian and attended LaGrange College before transferring to the University of Georgia. There, she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She then attained her BS in Nursing at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta,as the top student. She also met her future husband at that time.Mrs. Branyon was the Head Nurse of Psychiatry at the MCG Teaching Hospital and later was an RN in the Hematology Department of the Emory University Hospital Clinic in Decatur, Georgia.
Upon moving to Athens, Gloria was involved in many civic and church activities. She was a member of the University Women's Club, The Athens Junior League, First Baptist Church, and her beloved Bridge Club. She is remembered as a leader on numerous church committees, served as a teacher for young children, and was a faithful member of the Calloway-WilcoxSunday School class. Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, friend, and an example of what a true Christian lady should be. Mrs. Branyon is survived by her husband of 52 years, Donald; her son Philip (Athens); and her daughter Lynda Sizemore, husband William, and two grandsons John and Harry (Reidville, S.C.) and her brother James (Manchester). Mrs. Branyon was preceded in death by her parents, John and Sarah Wadsworth; a brother, John; and her own daughter, Judi. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 9th at the First Baptist Church of Athens, the Reverend Paul Baxley officiating.Visitation begins at 1 pm, with a funeral at 3 pm. Burial will follow at the Tuckston United Methodist Church cemetery. Pallbearers are: Dr. William Bowen, Darrell Moseley, Dr. William B. Mulherin, Mr. Ralph "Buddy" Snow, Dr. Ray Turk, and Mr. Jimbo LaBoon. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the First Baptist Church of Athens or your favorite charity. Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements.