Vickie Smith Branch

CLAXTON: Vickie Smith Branch, 78, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia. She was born on March 11, 1948, in Statesboro, Georgia, to the late Holmes and Vera Smith. Vickie was raised in Daisy, Georgia, where she built the foundation of a life defined by faith, family, and service to others. She graduated from Claxton High School and continued her education at Swainsboro Technical College. At a young age, she married the love of her life, Terry Branch, and together they shared 58 years of marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and joy. Vickie and Terry owned and operated Mincey’s Department Store for many years, where they worked side by side and became a familiar and beloved presence in their community. She never met a stranger and treated everyone who walked through the doors like family. A devoted Christian, Vickie was a faithful member of Daisy Church, where her servant’s heart was evident in all she did. She gave generously of her time as a choir director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, youth leader, and women’s ministry leader. She also volunteered as a Pink Lady at Evans Memorial Hospital, always finding ways to care for others and brighten someone’s day. Vickie will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, her fun-loving and adventurous nature, and her deep love for her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether reading, studying God’s Word, or simply “going and doing,” she embraced life fully and brought others along with her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry Branch; her children, Amy (David) Lawson, Dawn (Brian) Cauley, and Jim (Krista) Branch; her cherished grandchildren, Will (Carson), Sam, Chloe, Maddie, Emerson, Phoebe, Noah, Ellie, and Hobie; and her great-grandchildren, Opal James, Levi, Smith, and Rhodes. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Tippins and Donna (Larry) Tuten, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Tony Smith.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her devoted caregiver, Luwanda Murray, whose love and care meant so much to Vickie and to all who loved her.

VISITATION: Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home

FUNERAL: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Daisy Church.

BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery.

PALLBEARERS: David Lawson, Will Lawson, Sam Lawson, Hobie Lawson, Emerson Laesser, and Brian Cauley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Daisy Church, P.O. Box 106, Daisy, Ga. 30423; Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo St., Statesboro, Ga. 30458; or Brewton Cemetery, P.O. Box 978, Claxton, Ga. 30417.

Vickie’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, and service. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.