Margaret Jean (Downs) Branton

Margaret 'Jean' Downs Branton of Watkinsville passed away at her home June 19, 2017 after a lengthy illness.
She was born June 6, 1949 in Athens, Georgia and resided most of her life in Oconee County. She was an only child to Milton Gene Downs and Sara Jennings Downs. She married Wayman Houston Branton, and they had one son, Milton Lee Branton. She also had two loving step-sons, Michael Houston Branton and James Lamar Branton. Family, faith, and the Georgia Bulldogs were her pride and joy.
She was a graduate of the University of Georgia in journalism. She was an admissions director for Pruitt Health- Athens Heritage for 20 years and retired in 2015 after doing what she loved most, helping others.
She was preceded in death by her father, Milton Downs.
She is survived by her husband, Wayman Branton, Watkinsville; her mother, Sara Downs, Watkinsville; her son and daughter in law, Lee Branton and LaShea, Hoschton; and two step-sons and daughters in law, Michael Branton and Daphne, Watkinsville and Jimmy Branton and Angie, Nicholson; grandchildren, Brice and SaraBeth Branton, Stephanie Sewell and Christopher Branton, Ashley and Brett Branton and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at Lord and Stephens West, Watkinsville from 6-8 pm and the funeral will be Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Johnson United Methodist Church, Watkinsville at 11 am, lying in state from 10-11 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Johnson United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society.
Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com