Lillian Branham
Michael |
Lillian Kay Branham, age 58, was called home to be with our lord on July 20, 2024, at Jewish Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born a twin on July 8, 1966, to Richard and Kay Branham in Jerseyville, IL. She had a great and carefree childhood being raised in East Hardin, IL along side 6 of her siblings and many neighborhood friends.
She was a bright, curious, and adventurous child who wanted to do everything her siblings did. She loved going to school with her special friends until her graduation from high school in 1985. She participated in track in high school which led to her love for the Special Olympics. With the leadership of her brother (Bud) she went to not only win many trophies and medals as she was “unbeatable”.
She attended Illinois Valley Workshop in Jerseyville for many years. MCDD in Carlinville was very special to her in so many ways. She not only made many lifelong friends, especially Lisa and Maddie, but she was loved by and loved the entire staff. She looked forward to their summer camp every year and was crowned Prom Queen. She enjoyed talking to people, playing cards, games, puzzles, bingo, and arts and crafts.
Lillian's whole life was lived on the go. She wanted to go anywhere and everywhere, which is how she was dubbed the nickname “Lillian (Go) Branham” by her father. She loved to go shopping, out to eat, community outings, fishing, teddy bears, and kitty cats. She loved Rock N Roll music, KSHE 95, and to go dancing to live bands and she had her very own favorite band (Trojan). She was also a sports fan and loved to watch Cardinal games and attending Calhoun Warrior games as she was a Warrior herself. She overcame many medical obstacles. Her Miracle of Life was given on Christmas Day 2005 by her brother Bud which blessed her with 18.5 more years with us.
She is survived by two sisters, Mary Hickey of Michael, Billie (Mike) Crisswell of Wrights; one brother, Richard (Martha) Branham of Kampsville; and her much loved Kitty Cat Bobo. She has many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and many cousins that love her and will miss her tremendously.
She is preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, her twin Loraine Faye, Brenda Adams, Karen Adams, Annie Powell, Sharon Presley, and Carol Seidler; and one brother, Lonnie Wayne Adams.
Visitation will be held at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin on August 10, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at White Hall City Cemetery following the service.
Memorials can be made to MCDD, Special Olympics, or Family Choice.
Online condolences may be given at www.kallalandschaaf.com.
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
