Gurnell Branch "Big Mama" Johnson

James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel Gurnell Branch Johnson, 91 of Grand Ridge (affectionately known as Big Mama by her grandchildren & friends) went home to be with her Lord on July 7, 2013 at 1:35 p.m. C.S.T. after an extended illness. She was born on January 2, 1922 to parents, Mary & Jim Robbirds. She was a lifelong resident of Grand Ridge, a member of the Shady Grove Methodist Church and retired from Florida State Hospital. Before her illness, she enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, fishing and working in her flowers. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary & Jim Robbirds; Husbands: E.J. Branch & Charles Johnson; Son, James Ellis Branch; Grandson, Richard Keith Branch; Sisters: Eunice Crawley Mathis, Bernice Gregg & Evelyn Robbirds; Brothers: Charlie, Ed, W.W. (Tunk), J.D. & Cyrus Robbirds. She is survived by her Daughters: Nellie Ann Branch of Dothan, AL., Linda Folsom and husband, Jimmy and Daughter-in-law, Nancy Branch of Grand Ridge; Step-son, Charles Johnson and Wife, Debbie of Decatur, AL Grandchildren: Mike Branch and fiancé, Terri Taylor, Jason Branch of Grand Ridge, Ken Folsom of Grand Ridge, Kim Redd and fiancé, Jeff Shouppe of Dothan, AL, Kristie Jo Hall and husband, Jody of Petal, MS; Kyle & Katie Johnson of Decatur, AL Great Grandchildren, Darren Branch and fiancé, Julie Edenfield of Marianna, Ashlee Kelly and husband, Clint of Cottondale, Joshua Folsom of Alford, Tyler Ham of Dothan, AL, Jennilynn, Jolie & Jacob Hall of Petal, MS, Jimmy Ray Allen Folsom, Jake, Anna & J.C. Branch of Grand Ridge; Abby Johnson of Decatur, AL Great Great Grandchildren: Sidna & Mikalin Branch of Marianna & Anslee Grace Kelly of Cottondale; also a host of nieces and nephews and many many friends. Special mention goes to William, Debbie, Craig McCroan and Naomi McKinnie who held a special place in Big Mama's Heart. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 10:00 AM CST at Shady Grove Methodist Church with Rev. Jack Howell and Rev. Raymond Owens officiating. Burial will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm CST on Tuesday Night, July 9, 2013 at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel, Marianna, FL. Friends and family are being received at the home of Nancy Branch, Shady Grove Rd., Grand Ridge, FL. A special thank you to Crystal Dawson and the staff of Southern Care Hospice of Dothan, AL. Also, a special thank you to the precious staff on the 6th North Tower of Flowers Hospital and Clint, Rasheem, & Scout from the ER staff of Flowers Hospital. Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, Dothan, AL.