Anita Branscum

Anita Alene Branscum, dearly-loved wife, mother, Nana, sister and friend, brightened this world for 77 years. She passed from this life surrounded by loved ones Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at her home in Jackson.

Her faith in Christ and her positive outlook characterized her entire life.

Anita was born to Harrison and Athine Toole Aug. 19, 1943, in Kennett, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and one of her sisters, Barbara Hoffmeister.

Her warm and generous spirit will live on and inspire her family, which includes her devoted husband, Dr. Walter Branscum; daughter, Lynne (Stan) Chapman, and children Andrew and Hannah of Fishers, Indiana; daughter, Jennifer Turem, and children Audrey and Ryan of Cartersville, Georgia; son, John (Amy) Hillin, and children Maggie, Lauren and Jack of Cape Girardeau; stepson, Eli (Traci) Branscum and children Brynnley, Blane and Colby of High Ridge, Missouri; stepdaughter, Anne (Brandon) Borgfield and children Ben and Jarrett of Lafayette, Louisiana; sister, Sue (Tommy) Anderson of Counce, Tennessee; sister, Mary Powers of Camden, Tennessee; and brother, Dewayne (Mary)Toole of Memphis, Tennessee.

Her interests were many: cooking, quilting, reading, church involvement, game night with friends, Optimist Club and donating blood regularly to the Red Cross over the years. She always seemed to find a way to use these interests to help others. One perfect example is the hundreds of quilts she donated to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home in St Louis, so that each child who entered had a special and unique item of his very own.

Friends and family may gather from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will follow immediately at the church. Burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage those who knew her to either perform a random act of kindness in her honor or make a memorial donation to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home, 11300 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044.

The family wishes to thank Southeast Hospice and Comfort Keepers (Beverly) for their invaluable support through this time.

McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

To share an online condolence with the family, visit www.mccombsfuneralhome.com, navigate to Anita's obituary page, and click on the tribute wall tab.