Rev. Barbara Tolley Branks

Rev. Barbara Tolley Branks, age 73, of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, departed to be with the Lord on Friday, December 11, 2020 at her residence.  Her loved ones were by her side.  Born in Buncombe County, North Carolina on June 27, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Justin and Lillian Calloway Tolley. 

Barbara’s loving husband of 55 years, Paul Eugene Branks “Crawfish”, joined her in Heaven two days following her passing. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Tolley and Cecil Anderson Tolley.

Barbara loved to spend time at the beach. She adored being with her family, especially her grandchildren. Barbara loved life and lived it to the fullest. Most of all, she loved the Lord and sharing his word.

She is survived; one daughter, Donna Branks Ledford (Greg); one sister, Betty Tolley; four grandchildren, Charles Creasman (Miranda), Tonya McClure (James), Danyelle Ledford and Charles Ledford; and four great grandchildren, Breanna McClure, Logan Creasman, Haileigh Creasman, and Hadlee Creasman; and one great-great grandchild, Ryker Domer. 

A funeral service to celebrate the lives of Barbara and Paul will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Mr. Jim Rhinehart officiating.  Interment will be held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. 

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Barbara’s memory are asked to consider, the Branks Family, 2170 Rutherford Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.