Rebecca Branch Obituary

As life moves forward, I carry you with me. Anyone who knows me, know you. Watching your nieces reminds me of you. They would be your little best friends. I love you to the moon and back Sis! Kiss Grandma and Uncle Dave for me. Love you to life!!!!

20 years bestie. Crazy. Love and miss you always.

Ashlee

Hi Rebecca,
It has now been exactly 20 years since you have left. While I have not exactly been counting the years, for some reason today hit me and made me remember. I feel so privileged to have ever met you, and been so close to you. You were so unique, smart, and stunning on so many different levels.

I always think of what life would have been if you still here. At the same time, your existence, both previous and present in spirit, have shaped what I am and have become today, to which I hold great value. I now have a wife, a 2 year old daughter, and another one on the way, who I truly love and are my world. I always tell my daughter that we will always be together, whether physically present or not, since we will always be bonded by spirit and love. This is also how I feel about you and me. I have been blessed to continue feeling your presence throughout this time.

You used to tell me you believed the afterlife was a group of gods enjoying watching television shows consisting of us living on earth, and playing tricks on humans for entertainment. I hope you´re up there doing just that, and most importantly happy and free.

Together forever,

You crossed my mind recently and I just wanted to send my love to you and your mom today. I know you are an angel shining bright in the stars. RIP always

On this rainy Sunday, I look out of the window thinking if you. I hear my daughters, your nieces, in the other room playing and their voices reminds me of you. Your pictures are all around my house so they know who you are. I tell them stories of you as often as I can. You would be so in love with these little girls. They love makeup,hair, and singing like you. London says she can't wait to meet you and I have to remind her that hopefully she has an EXTREMELY LONG time until that happens but until then she should write to you. Anyways, I had Dad over and a butterfly would not leave us alone. It even landed on Dad. We both believed it to be your spirit. We love you. I love you and miss you dearly. It has been 16 years but still feels like yesterday. Rest easy Sister. Until I can hug you again.....XOXOZOZ

A beautiful person inside and out. -Alia

Dear Rebecca,

I wish I had known and I miss you! I've been searching for you because my kids are at Culver this summer. I have a daughter that's a butterfly and my son is a second year cub. I'm flying out for Lakefest/Alumni weekend and wanted to connect so that we could march together. I kept reading through these and hoping it wasn't you.

At camp, much like the other entries describe, you were our light, our spirit, our strength. Thank you for taking time to try to help me sing. I'll never forget Circle Game as mentioned - I sing that to my kids every night as a lullaby, no joke. The song you and I worked on was from Casper and it seems fitting:

"Every now and then, we find a special friend, who never lets us down.
Who understands it all, reaches out each time we fall, you're the best friend that I've found.
I know that you can't stay, but part of you will never ever go away, your heart will stay.
And I'll make a wish for you, and hope it will come true, that life will just be kind, to such a gentle mind.
And if you lose your way, think back on yesterday, remember me this way, remember me this way".

And remember the December 63 song and dance? "I felt a rush like a rolling bolt of thunder, spinning my head around and taking my body under, oh what a night!" - I can't hear it without thinking of waking up as we blasted that music every morning to get the cabin woke and moving.

Thanks for staying up late with me, climbing over to each other's bunks, sharing secrets and driving me to the airport after camp! I hope my kids are fortunate enough to make as good of friendships as we had together. They've heard of you and will be hearing a lot more. Xoxo, Amanda

Happy Birthday! I do think of you. Saw a picture of us as kids when I was last back home. I am going to look for it again.

Alia

Hey Sis! I swear that there is not a day that goes by, even after all of the years, that I do not think of you. I was on the computer to see what came up when I googled myself and ended up here. I never knew about this page. I miss you with all of my being. Your nieces know about you. I have the piece of art that you gave Dad in their bedroom and pictures of you everywhere. They know that you are in Heaven with Uncle David and God. You would be so crazy about them. To be honest, I have moments that I feel your presence and when I had them, I knew you were there. Please continue to watch over us, especially my babies. OH... and our nephew/baby Justin is in the Air Force. He misses you so much too. In fact he just got a tattoo with your name and dates. I guess I will go back to work but you are on my mind so much, I am glad that I came across this page. BTW- I hear Always Be My Baby like everyday and think of you. I love you more than you ever could imagine. Give hugs and kisses to Grandma, Uncle Dave, and 'Tadpole' for me. XOXOXOXO

Hey girl, hey!

Happy birthday! this is the big one, 30. Wow! I hope you're having a big bash up there.

Bek, you've been heavy on my heart today. Thinking bout u. :)

i will never ever forget u rebecca its still chilling to me to imagine u were going through all these things. such a beautiful person personality wise and physically i always have and always will view you as the most beautiful girl i have ever personally known. i remember shedding tears because right after u left us i had a track meet and i swear i thought i saw your face in the clouds.. i hold on to that moment dearly... i remember u just being this happy go lucky spirit when we were at beasley together... man i miss you rest in peace sweetheart ... you will never be forgotten

I attended St Thomas the Apostle with our beloved Rebecca and until today was not aware of her home going. I am every so grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to know sucha beautiful girl and spirit. My heart and prayers are with the family and with my long friend Rebecca,I love you girl and you could never be forgotten

Just stopping by to tell you Happy Birthday!! I know you're having a beautiful birthday party with the angels. Love ya girl *big hug*

<3

Hey Rebecca! I thought of you all day yesterday, knowing it would have been your 27th birthday. Every time I think of you, I still find myself in shock. It's funny, I read many of the other entries on here, and I see that everyone has a memory of you associated with Mariah Carey! I never so much thought you looked like her, but you DEFINITELY could sing like her! I remember when we were in 7th grade and you were trying to teach me how to hit the high notes on Mariah's song "Emotions." I could not believe you could make your voice go that high! I tried and tried, and it never quite sounded right, but you kept reassuring me that I was getting better :-) You were such a sweetheart Rebecca. We still have videos that my father recorded of all of us at track meets. Lol, yeah track'n'field was not exactly your greatest talent lol, but you still loved being involved. You were such a diva on the track field! Refusing to let your hair or eyeliner be ruined by sweating lol! Wow, I miss those days... And I miss you. Just wanted to stop by and let you know that you will never be forgotten and that your spirit lives on in our hearts. My sister and my parents send their love as well :-)

Love Ya Much Girlie, Quiana

Hey lady, I have a good friend who lost her younger sister and as part of her advocacy, she's walking in her memory tomorrow. I shared with her your story when it first happened, to help her see how much I understood her pain, and 2 years later, she reminded me of the message I had sent her and how it meant so much to her. Funny how small things happen that line up with each other, I was telling co-workers yesterday how I sang the middle verse of Always be my Baby, and my best friend who was a soprano sang that range at the end of the song. There is so much that I still don't understand, about life in general and how to help others know they are loved and worthy to be loved, cause its tough out here for sure. I hope you feel the love, even from a distance. That you get an "email" notification every time you're thought about. I know your inbox would be packed. Amazing, you'd be almost 27 now...probably married, maybe a couple kids. Do me a favor, watch over the rest of us? We'll bring you along for all those milestones.

Happy Birthday lady

Rebecca,

What a strange history we had. Of course I had a crush on a beautiful girl like you were. I cant imagine what kind of pain you were in, but I hope you found peace. I cant listen to a Mariah Carey song without thinking of you. How strange and precious this life can be.

WOW! I just found out today that you had passed. Its crazy! I was looking you up on facebook to see if you still looked like mariah carey as much as you did back at keller. I just knew you had like a million friends and a picture for everyday of your life. We were never really best friends but some moments when we were each others shoulder to lean on. I am really hurt. I was looking forward to seeing who would become. In school you were the girl I wished I could be like. I am so sorry. You rest in peace girl and kiss my baby boy for me.

Hey becka, yep, you hated that name, lol. Always be my Baby came on B96 today and I had flashbacks of a 4th grade talent show, 3 girls in all white, and my first stuffed training bra. God, those were some terrible times. But, we killed the stage and had a ball. I guess that was your way of saying hello!

P.P.S. I saw Alia's mother on the bus and they didn't know - that you had gone.

Dearest One,

What a year! Mommy moved twice! I was hospitalized for six days with sepsis! And was quarantined with H1N1 for seven days! And life, of course, goes on. God is good!

It is good to hear from your friends. I'm glad to see them using your Guest Book as I hoped they would. I knew it would take awhile and my patience has paid off.

I love you forever and always - Mom.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

It was my privilege to have known Rebecca in 4th and 5th grade at Keller. I only recently learned of her passing which has brought pain to my heart. I have many fond memories of us at Keller and am sad that we lost touch when I moved. She was a great girl and it was very difficult for me to even talk about her after I found out even though it had been so long since I saw her. I know you are in a better place Rebecca.

My most heartfelt condolences go out to her family and close friends.

Wow. Its amazing to realize that its been so many years. I've never really spoken to anyone about exactly how this affected me. Rebecca, you and I were best friends. A very strange friendship when you look back at it now as with most children but friends nonetheless. Having sleepovers all the time, making up singing groups, loving Mariah Carey, liking the same boys, sharing diaries and just being kids. You, me and Cheyenne. The 3 headed beast. People would say we only thought and acted as one person. The day I heard what happened I was truly devastated. We hadn't spoken in years, only had a by chance crossing in a fashion bug one day must have been freshman or sophmore year but hearing that you would not be going to prom or graduating from high school like me and everyone else just tore my heart apart. Even if you and I had never spoken or seen each other again in life, that's not the way it was suppose to happen. You were suppose to celebrate your birthday every year on the same day as Cheyenne and come to the Keller reunion with outrageous stories for to all share. It changed everything in my life on that day. I saw your sister, dad and grandmother the day of the services. I've seen your sister and brother on a couple chance occasions since. While our friendship may have ceased years before you left us, it was a friendship. Truer than most, for years. I wish you have all the peace in the world, I hope you know that you are missed. Happy Birthday

Rebecca,

Hey love :-) I haven't been on here in a while. I can't believe that it's been 5 years. I miss you more than you can ever imagine. Life has been a trip, but God's grace is getting me through and I am more than GRATEFUL.

Girl, Yes, I am still in Mississippi. Dreading it, missing home, but my eye is on the prize!!! Got to get these degree's. Im strating my Master's program soon. Guidance Education and Counseling!!! You know that this perfect for me right!

I've been in a 3 year process to become a certified motivational speaker, and my certification is right around the corner. I've shared your story with so many young people around the world. I promised that your life and yoir story would never go in vain. I'm holding on to my word.

I met a lot of wonderful people over the years, it's funny, everytime they see a butterfly they say hello to you too!!! It's comforting to know that you're still here with me. I hope I'm making you proud!!

Love You

May God bless and comfort you and your family.

Dearest Marienne,

I just recently learned of the passing of Rebecca. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will always remember the beautiful baby we look to dinner one cold winter night. I pray that you find peace and joy even as you continue to mourn and celebrate her life.

Dear Rebecca
You are a beautiful angel in heaven, and I miss you very much. I think about you all of the time, and I will always love, and look out for your mom.

Darling Dear,
Five years now and such a difference since last year. I'm cautiously declaring that I've made monumental progress since then. I'm cautious because a certain amount of chaos came with the move (that didn't happen until mid-November - Yikes!). And then I moved again at the end of January. Double yikes! So, when the dust settles (and I'm believing that it will), I'll take stock to see whether this is true progress. I truly believe that it is, but I don't want to be blindsided by feelings/emotions that have enough sense to lay low while I sort out my living situation. But, again cautiously, I say that progress is to be expected when one puts in the work. And I have put in the work.
Your ever lovin' Mother Dear

I never met Rebecca, I was searching for stories about AA Rayner. It pains me that this angel is not here. I was an alum of LPHS IB. I am sure her prescence is missed dearly. I will hold all of you in my prayers. I am sure she is at peace with God and I hope you find some comfort in that

I never met Rebecca or her family. I was looking for the obit of a friend when I came across her obit. My deepest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beautiful, precious child. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.

I checked on my mom's notice from last year and began strolling down memory lane, thinking of past friends' last names, since I no longer live in the Chicago area. I was surprised to see this "Branch" entry and even if this beautiful young woman is not of the "Branch" family that I remember, her story touched me. The loss of a child is one of the most difficult things in life for a parent. I know that as my parents suffered the loss of a son many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Her candle will remain aglow as long as she remains in your hearts.

I read the obituary through AA Rayner&Sons website Chicago,IL... and was touched by this situation... I am happy that(Marienne-Rebecca's mom) you keep the memories of your daughter Rebecca alive and that you appear to have a everlasting unconditional love for her as a parent.I am a 34 year old black single woman-native of Waukegan,IL now residing in Atlanta-Norcross,GA for last 5 years. Remember,God is a healer and comforter and Rebecca is in heaven and you two will be together again! My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.. May god bless you now and 4-ever always!

Well, Little One,
We approach the fourth year. Raw. Pain. Still.
Just so's you & your friends know, I will move from our apartment on or about June 30th. It took three and a half years for me to realize that I don't need your bedroom anymore.
So, although the pain is still raw, I am making progress in the process.
I will love you forever and ever, amen.
Love,
Mom

Mrs. Branch,
My heart and prayers go out to you. I did not know your daughter, but I am deeply saddened and troubled by events that caused her death. Her peers were jealous of her inner light and beauty and that is why they bullied her. Darkness (evil) does not like the light. I know that comforting words at times do not seem to heal the loss and pain that you still feel for your daughter. From reading the responses, your daughter was a blessing and benefit to those that she shared her life and love with. I hope my words offer a sense of comfort for you. One day you and Rebecca will be together in Heaven. I leave you with these words of comfort: 1 Thessolonians 5:9-11, "God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Revelation 14:13, "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." Yes says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Rebecca touched many a person in the time that God allowed her to be shared with you and the world. Her love and joy lives on in all those that she touched. I wish that there was more I could do to give you comfort and peace. But rest assured, God has not abandoned you, blamed you, or left you without a comforter. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. As a university professor and a United Methodist pastor my heart is heavy when any of God's precious jewels are taken away too soon. God saw his beautiful flower and took her home with him to be radiant and glowing in God's garden. May God's love and mercy, the grace of Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family.

Darling Daughter of Mine,
I just saw that Carrie found you, but not me:( Not yet. I am so excited to see that she did.
Girl! Lucia had a baby boy, Michael Joseph, 3 mos. old! She's in town from FL for the Christening.
Albert's been gone two years, but I guess you know that.
Xavier & Bertrand are thriving! I am so pleased about that. Xavier stays in touch.
There's so much that I wish that I could share with you. There's even more that I wish that I could have done for you. The reality is that there is no comfort for a mom. The second greatest challenge in life is to learn to live with that truth.
I love you forever.
Mom

I met Rebecca years ago as kids, and after hearing of her death just four years ago I still think about her all the time.



I decided to write this entry because I felt guilty for not being able to attend her ceremony and I stumbled upon this website.



Rebecca and I met at camp. I heard her across the dining hall talking, laughing...living. Little did I know that just a couple of hours later Rebecca would enter my life and become a close confident and friend like no one I'd ever meet again.



Rebecca had a spirit like none other. She was creative, interesting, funny as hell, mature, intelligent, and gifted. She made my laugh so much and I was graced to have slept in the bunk next to her for two summers.



She's still loved and every time I hear Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game" I think of her, we used to sing it together.

Bekhi Baby,

Mommy thinks about you all the time. I THINK I'm beginning to accept that you're gone. I think. I think you're present in spirit form, & so sometimes I talk to you & show you things that I know you'd like. I'm doing my best to accept the other side of the miracle of your birth. It is easier said than done.

I love you so much & I'll love you forever.

Mom

It is so sad that people can be so cruel. Rebecca will not be abused anymore and she is at peace, while others are still hurting the weak. Rest in peace Rebecca. You are in a better and safer place. You are loved and you are missed.

I've been thinking about u a lot boo...Things are crazy on my side of the planet. School is stressing me out, but I will be victorious in the end! Love and miss you so very much!

Rebecca, I will always feel your presence in my life. There are no words that I haven't already said or expressed about my love for you and sense of loss of you. I wish wish wish that I could have told you how much I loved loved loved you. In the next life I will never let you go. Your uncle Charles and I have a beautiful baby boy but I'm sure you already know that. We feel that you were able to see him. I trust that you will watch over him for us. We love you more than you ever knew.

Love aunt Nora.

Rebecca,

Its been one hell of a year. Not a day goes by without a thought of you. I LOVE and MISS you so much. I am home for the summer. My first year of college was extremely intense. I finished the year off with a 3.4 GPA.(I never had a 3. anything in HS) I'm proud. Girl I miss you. Everytime I see a Butterfly I think of you and I say "Hi Rebecca". Why? I don't know, but it is really comforting. I see butterflys all the time at school. Thats it for now.

LOVE YOU

We called you Baby Bunky (your Aunt Valencia thought of it) because we didn't know your sex & were old fashioned (then - smile) & didn't want to know. God works in such mysterious ways - I thought I had this one year anniversary under some kind of control, but God has different challenges for us to face. It just shows to go you. I love you forever & ever & ever & ever, Amen. Mom

O Lord, whose ways are beyond understanding,

listen to the prayers of your faithful people:

that those weighed down by grief

at the loss of this child

may we find assurance in your infinite goodness.



We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

My name is Sharon Irving and I attended Lincoln Park with Becky... I just want to share something with everyone. Since Rebecca's passing, God has been leading me to talk to young women about issues concerning self esteem and all the negative things young women face. I know that everything happens for a reason, and because of Becky's life I've been able to encourage and minister to other girls. I realize that I shouldn't be focused on the outer things, it's about my heart and soul. I'm blessed to have known her and I know that her life is touching other young women and men. I love you Rebecca...God bless Mrs. Branch and family. Know that the love of Christ will give you peace that surpasses understanding. He's right with you... HE has the power to heal and He loves you. -Sharon Irving

Happy Birthday Baby Girl.

I'll love you forever & ever, amen.

Mom

It is still amazing how rebecca is still in everyones heart. May she be our Guideing Angel now as she was then. We all love you Rebecca and Miss you deeply.

Dear Marienne,

I never met your dear daughter, but am so touched by her story and your faith and love. I am praying for you daily for strength and comfort.

Love, Betty (Rt. 66 lady)

Baby Girl, I still can't believe you're gone from me. I pray that this is a dream or, if not, that God will perform a miracle & turn back the hands of time. I wish I had asked Him when it first happened; perhaps such a demonstration of faith would have been worthy of the miracle I pray for - you back with me - forever love, Mom

Rebecca baby...I made it...I'm in college...ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY..Home of the BRAVES...It's different out here...way different than CHICAGO...I love the southern hospitality...I met a lot of people...I told everyone about u...I talk about u everyday...I have a beautiful collage of u in my room...Everyone tells me how beautiful u are...I LOVE and MISS YOU soooooooooo much....

My Darling Daughter,

I love & miss you so very much! It's been two months since you've been gone. I never thought I would be in this world without you! That's all I can say now - you know you're in my thoughts & prayers always & forever. I will love you always & forever, Mom

Rebecca,



I love and miss you so much.

TO the Branch-Coleman Family,



I am sorry to hear about the death of Rebecca. I would like to express my deepest sympathy. May God's Holy Spirit give you peace and comfort over this tragedy.



Mrs. Moore

Becky, I see your face everyday and I miss you more than life has words to express. I know you are at peace so I will find happiness in that place. I love you, Aunti Nora

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Mother, extended family and friends of Miss Rebecca Kharyl Branch. Although our paths have only recently crossed, she will be missed. Children are a gift from God, and we were fortunate to have seen a glimpse of such a prize Marienne was blessed with. Our eye may no longer see, but our hearts do not forget.



With Love and Sadness

we send our Sympathies,



Dr. Andrew Knecht

and Staff Member

May the angles of heaven look down upon you and smile

I loved Becky. Be comforted by God's unchanging hand, and understand, that Becky's life was always in his hands. Now even moreso. Be comforted in her memory and realize that although she left us, God never let her go...

Dear Nora and Family,



Our deepest sympathies to you on the passing of Rebecca. May you find comfort in your memories of her. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

When I reflect on the friendship I had with Becca in Kindergarten at McDade, I think of her curly hair and her smile. And now that she is gone, I appreciate her curly hair and smile even more. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Branch for giving your daughter life and love. But most of all, thank you GOD that Becca isn't suffering anymore. For now, she is truly where she needs to be, home.

GOD Bless you in this hour or bereavement. Remember, GOD is the joy and the strength of our life; GOD will never leave you nor forsake you; For if GOD be for you, who can be against you.

With Love,

To a girl that greeted me on the first day of school when everyone one else was afraid to. Thus giving me a nickname i shall never forget. Just showing my respects and wishes to you and the famaily.

Love

Brandon Love

To Mrs.Branch & Family,



My heart goes out to you. Since I heard about Rebecca's death I've felt nothing but pain so I can imagine what you are going through. Rebecca was one of my best friends. I loved her so much, and I tried to do eveything I could to save her. This week has been really hard for me, because it's hard for me to deal with her not being here in the flesh. She was my angel on earth, so I know she's watching over me. I loved her so much, and I will never forget about her. Her Passing will not go in vain.



R.I.P Rebecca

To Rebecca's family, I cannot begin to say I know how you feel, because I don't. I have a granddaughter the same age who went to school with Rebecca. She and her friends have been very sadden by her passing. They attended the wake on Friday and the funeral on Saturday wishing it was something they could have done to save her. May you find confort in knowing that others care. May God Bless you and I will continue to keep you in my prayers!

dear marienne i am so sorry for your lost i am praying your strenth in the lord and that he continues to keep you and your family during this time. if i had to tell you anything it would be to stay strong and to hold on to God's unchanging hand. God bless you love your sister in christ L'Amour Holloway.

Rebecca will truly be missed but her warm presence will remain in our hearts. My love and support goes out to her family.

I want to let your family know. Me and Rebecca weren't close but I knew her. It was a great lost to lose someone so beautiful smart and talented. she will be greatly missed and always in our heart and memories. Bless you and your family. You and Rebecca will always be in my prayers.

I cannot imagine the pain you're feeling. I can only keep you in my thoughts and pray you find some small comfort in knowing that Rebecca is no longer in pain.

I am here for you.

Renee'

There are many things in life

That we cannot understand,

But we must trust God's judgment

And be guided by His hand,

And all who have God's blessing

Can rest safely in His care,

For He promises safe passage

On the wings of faith and prayer.



--Helen Steiner Rice

May the wings of faith uphold you

When your cross is hard to bear,

As temptations surround you

And no one seems to care.

May the wings of faith surround you

And shield you from the pain

When sorrows overcome you

In times of deep despair.

May the Spirit, who's within you,

Confirm that He is there!

May the valley of the shadow

Provide angels unaware...

May the wings of faith uphold you

When your cross is hard to bear.

---Clay Harrison

I was one of Rebecca's peers at Beasley. I remeber her as an outgoing, and bright person. We never really talked that much but I wish i could have gotten to know her better. My condolences go out to the family and anyone else that is grieving.

Marienne,

My heart feels so much for you right now. I deal with these situations daily, and to have it touch so close to a loved one is overwhelming. My prayers and thoughts are with you. If you need me for talk, listening, anything, please call. I love you.



Que and Sybil

Deepest sympathy from all of us at Culver Summer Camps. We were blessed to have had time with Rebecca here at Culver.

You are in our prayers and have our deepest sympathy.



Dede and Roy

We send our condolences. May you find comfort reflecting on fond memories with Becky.