Dorothy Branch 89, of Summit, MS passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Camellia Estates in McComb, MS. She was born Thursday, January 24, 1935, in McComb, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m. at Sharkey Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Whittington Cemetery in Summit, MS. Rev. John Underwood and Rev. Chris Fleming will officiate. Sharkey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Donald Bryant, Butch Boyd, Corey Whitehead, Bubba Freeman, Hunter Jackson, and Keegan Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be Maney Miller, Courtland Scoggins, Ethan Frith, and Everett Frith. Special music will be performed by Brandon Andrews and Evelyn Branch.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, A J Freeman and Kneed Branch; father, W T Dub Jackson; mother, Eunice Boyd Jackson; brothers, Thomas Jackson, Joe Jackson (Bridgett). Jack Jackson; stepmother, Elizabeth Parker Jackson.

Survivors include her; sister, Peggy Lewis (Felix); sisters-in-law Lou Jackson, Evelyn Branch, and Betty Jackson; brother-in-law, Laness Freeman; stepson, Randy Branch; stepdaughter Teresa Branch; grandchild, Regan Branch, great-grandchild, Theo Branch; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Dorothy Nell Branch, or known as "Aunt Dot" to many, was valedictorian of her class in 1952 at Enterprise High School. It was there that she gained the many friendships she has carried for her lifetime. Dorothy and her late husband, A.J. started their employment and marriage with McComb Mfg. Company later known as Kellwood in 1952. They continued to work for Kellwood until she wanted to start her own business. They started with $1,000.00 in merchandise they brought back from Jackson in the back of their car. They opened their first business under the name of Summit Shopping Center in the old Summit Post Office building. In July 1966, business was doing well and they bought the building in down town Summit on Robb Street and changed the name of their business to Town and Country Shoppe. In 1974, they purchased the adjoining building and then again in 1979. The business had great success through the years, and they paid thanks to their loyal friends, family and customers.

After A.J.'s death in early 1980's she married Kneed Branch of Hattiesburg on December 5, 1982. Kneed and Dot sold the store in 1983 and traveled in their RV. Town and Country eventually closed in 1987. Dorothy still felt there was a need for family clothing in Summit and they decided to reopen that same year. This time the name changed for the last time to Branch's Town and Country. It closed its doors the last time in 1991.

Kneed and Dot traveled this country in their RV. They would be gone for months at a time. She said many times that traveling with their camping group was the best time of her life. She told so many stories about traveling. The best was not knowing exactly where they were headed or the food they were going to eat.

Dot loved the outdoors. She worked in her yard up until the past year. She would blow her driveway off every morning "in case company was coming". She filled her bird bath every day and during the summer 2 to 3 times a day. Hummingbirds were her favorite and she made sure they were fed before she was.

Every child that visited her, either with visitors or her neighbor kids, were given candy that would consist of tootsie roll pops, dum-dums and of course soft peppermint. Dot's drink of choice was a cold "Co' Cola". She always made sure there was plenty.

She was the epitome of a true southern Christian woman. She knew when to speak and how to speak. She knew what to wear and when to wear it. She never said a bad word and always gave her time and love to others. Dot was such a strong woman. She never lost faith. She continued to worship our Lord and Savior at Pisgah United Methodist Church until her health wouldn't let her.

This past year, with her little self, she still managed to make brownies, stir-fry and chicken salad every week to share with her family. Trust me, they loved it. She had a special treat 2 to 3 times a week when her three little friends and sometimes more would come visit. They would bring her home goodies for her to enjoy and play the piano for her. She loved her company and her dominoes.

Dot and Kneed were special to so many. They would do anything for anyone. Bella became a part of their lives whether they wanted her or not. Even when Bella would doorbell ditch them and they would have to go door to door looking for her they never got upset. Dot sat through hours and hours of "school" and Kneed passed and Dot would flunk accordingly to Bella. Dot hated to admit it, but she knew Kneed was Bella's favorite. Dot hung in there though until it was her time to shine with Bella after Kneed's passing. They helped each other with their broken hearts and always kept Kneed in their daily conversations. Dot loved Kneed and Kneed loved her. She has the love letters to prove it. Bella, these past 2 years, had become Dot's true companion. Bella accompanied her to doctor appointments, mall trips, hair appointments and so on. They spoke every day and the words of wisdom Dot gave Bella, and everyone, are words no one will ever forget. Bella and Dot were already planning her 90th birthday party in January. So come January 24th, know Dot is having a birthday party in heaven even though we aren't invited. To know Dot was to love her even when she insisted on cutting back those dang azaleas every year. So, we will Celebrate her life every day.

"This is not only the passing of a beautiful, sweet soul, but also our family's Matriarch. She will be so missed as well as her gift of conversation."

Dot and her family want to thank everyone who came to see her or called to check in with her. She wants to send a special thank you to her caregivers, Donnie, Mandy and Bella Bryant, Darlene Rawls, Sissy Whittington, Rena Vowell and Kim Jackson as well as, Home Health, Virgil Sanders, Veronica Edmonds, and Skylar.

Dot's services are just the way she requested and anyone that knows Dot, "we don't do pictures." Just know that she loved you.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.sharkeyfuneralhome.com