Marvine Alcievon (Von) Branham-Barnes was born September 10, 1928, in Franklinton LA, and died from complications of COVID 19, December 22, 2020, in Seattle, WA. She was the oldest of nine children born to Julia Mae Watson Barnes and Marvin Barnes of Franklinton, LA.
Von accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness, USA in Franklinton, LA. She attended public schools in Washington Parish, Franklinton, LA., and was an exceptional and apt student, enrolling at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA at the age of 16.
Always independent and daring, Von enlisted in the United States Women’s Army Corps during the Korean War. While stationed at Ft. Lawton Army Base in Seattle WA, she married United States Navy veteran, Neil C. Branham Sr. Seven children were born to this union: Philip, Neil Jr., Kevin, Anthony, April, Martha, and Christopher. She worked for a number of years and retired from, the United States Postal Service.
Von always maintained a spiritual focus in her life. She converted to the Catholic faith and united with St. Joseph Catholic Church of Seattle and later St. Therese Church, where she remained a lifelong member. She was a proud member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Court 218.
A gracious host, Von loved to cook and entertain house guests and had a great sense of style and fashion. She sang with several local choirs and especially enjoyed singing and traveling with St. Therese, “Shades of Praise Choir”. A creative person, she had a passion for photography, painting, and playing the piano.
She is preceded in death by her son, Kevin Branham Sr. of Las Vegas, NV. Left to cherish her memory are beloved Aunt, Mrs. Edith Dyson of San Francisco, CA; siblings: Mrs. Mona Anderson of Los Angeles, CA, and Mr. Bobbie Barnes of Seattle, WA; her children, many beloved family members, and dear friends.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a Private Interment with military honors was held at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. A memorial celebration of her life will be scheduled at St. Therese Church, Seattle at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the memory of Marvine Branham-Barnes to Mary’s Place at www.marysplaceseattle.org. Full obituary, updates, and memorial guestbook can be found online at https://bonneywatson.com/obituary/marvine-branham-barnes/
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