Joan "Joanie Baby" Branch, age 82, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ. Born Joan Adams to George and Flora Adams on November 24, 1941, in Newark, NJ, she became a beloved resident of Long Branch at an early age. After graduating from Long Branch High School, she married Ernest Branch Sr.(USMC). They had 4 kids and stayed at various military bases. Joan returned to Long Branch to raise her family. She was a founding member of Todays Woman and enjoyed playing Pokeno.
Joan was a devoted mother to her children, Ernie, Jerry, LeRoy, and Cindy, and a cherished grandmother to her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse, having graduated from Monmouth County Vocational School in the 1980s, and worked at Monmouth Medical Center and nursing homes.
Her warmth and wisdom enriched our lives beyond measure. She was a beacon of love and kindness, always there with a gentle smile and a comforting word. Her legacy lives on in the memories we cherish and the values she instilled in us. Though she is no longer with us, Her spirit remains in our hearts, guiding us through life's journey.
In her free time, Joan enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She was also the first Black student winner of the Betty Crocker award in high school. A life member of Second Baptist Church, Joan found solace and community in her faith.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George Washington Adams and Flora Willis Adams, her brothers George Washington Adams II and Herbert Adams, and her son Ernest Branch Jr.
Joan will be deeply missed by her children, Jerome Branch, LeRoy Branch (Angelique Hewitt-Branch), Cynthia Branch, her grandchildren, Ernest Branch III, Jarrett Branch, Terrance Branch, Jamal Davis, Thomas Holder, Anastasia Branch, Maceyo Branch, Makayla Houston-Bey, Dasia Hewitt-Branch, Shontaye Branch, and Olivia Anderson, her great-grandchildren, Kah’syia Branch, Jaedyn Branch, Brooklynn Branch, Penelope Branch, Nolan Branch, Nora Branch, Max Branch, Isla Branch, Charles Wilderman, Everly Holder, Tinsley Holder, Lyniyah Branch, Alanna Branch, DaQuan Shaw, DeAviona Shaw, DeMonie Shaw, Da’Shon Coleman, Dream Anderson, daughter-in-law Linda Branch, special friend Oral Platts, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Joan's legacy of love, dedication to her family, and service to her community will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
To the Branch Family my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time Mama Joan was a wonderful person and she always treated me like I was one of her own I’m definitely going to miss Mama Joan but she will leave in my heart forever. RIP Mama Angel Joan🙏🏾😇💔