Edna Suella Branaman
Funeral Time: Saturday, February 18th at 1:00PM
Edna Suella (Sue) Bullock Branaman, 97, of Lexington, passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2022. Sue was born on June 10, 1925, in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, to Ernest E. and Eliza (Renner) Bullock. The oldest of 11 children, she was a caregiver from the start. She quickly learned to cook and clean, sew and mend, and keep her siblings safe, well, clothed, and fed while tending to duties on the family farm. Sue’s nickname, Nanny, was one she seemed destined to have most of her life. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School, attended Berea College, and was awarded an Emergency Teaching Certificate from Eastern Kentucky University. Sue returned to Mt. Vernon and taught children in a one-room schoolhouse. She met and married Thomas Monroe Branaman in 1946 and moved to Lexington. They established roots in their new community, later welcoming their two daughters, Cynthia and Patricia. The family joined Rosemont Baptist Church in 1953, and Sue served as a Sunday School Director and Irishtown Mission Advisory Board Member. She was an active member of Homemakers and Cardinal Hill Hospital’s ‘Love Your Neighbor’ Club. She served as an honorary mother to many of U.K.’s international students whose families were overseas. Especially during holiday breaks, Sue welcomed students into her home, cooked warm meals, and let them know she loved them. After her husband’s death, Sue opened her heart to Daniel, her foster son, who came to Kentucky from Thailand to further his education. Daniel attended high school and then Murray State University and was instrumental in Sue being named Murray’s “Parent of the Year” in 1989. She worked as a Dental Assistant for over 30 years, much of that time at the University of Kentucky’s College of Dentistry. Upon retirement from dentistry, Sue selflessly became a caregiver, assisting many patients with daily activities, and becoming a trusted companion. She treated her patients with thoughtful respect, dignity, and grace as they approached the end of life. This was her calling for over two decades. Sue championed the least, the last, and the lost, especially regarding animals, whether dog, cat, bird, chipmunk, or raccoon. She cared for animals so much, her yard was designated a National Wildlife Sanctuary. She enjoyed watching her “wildlife” through the living room window or on the back porch. To the joy of clever squirrels, birdfeeders were refilled daily. Her 3-legged cat Midnight, himself a stray she rescued, was her constant companion and fellow birdwatcher. Sue was the ultimate hostess, with multiple sets of china and table linens. Guests were greeted with, “Are you hungry?” Meals were a creative hodgepodge of choices from different cultures. Pizza, devilled eggs, fried rice, sweet & sour chicken, macaroni, green beans, and boiled potatoes. Visitors never left empty-handed. She was happiest with needle and thread in hand, stitching intricate patterns on colorful quilts earmarked as gifts for family, friends, and those in need of warmth. Sue loved the Lord her God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. She extended that love and mercy to all neighbors who crossed her path. We’re sure she was welcomed to her heavenly home with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Though she moved away from Rockcastle County as a young lady, her heart remained there the rest of her life. She would make several trips back each year to visit friends and family, check-up on their whereabouts, and get fresh tomatoes, beans, and turnips (her favorite.) She was happiest when she could reminisce with folk from Mt. Vernon about the local gossip. When travel became harder, reading the newspaper, talking on the phone, or checking Facebook posts helped her stay aware of the news. Sue is preceded in death by Thomas Monroe Branaman, loving husband of 32 years; sister Nina Brown; brothers Paul, Kermit, Jess, Hoover, John, Ernest E. Bullock, Jr.; son-in-law Sanford Peyton; son-in-law Michael Taylor. Sue is survived by daughters Cynthia Peyton and Patricia Michalski, and foster son Daniel (Anong) Vichitbandha. Grandchildren Christopher (Laura) Taylor of Crestwood, Leigh Peyton (Andrew) Mikovch of Bowling Green, David Peyton of Morehead, Lennon Michalski of Lexington, Megan Michalski (Daniel) Collins of Lexington, Angela Vichitbandha of Raleigh, NC, and Andrew Vichitbandha also of Lexington. Great grandchildren Cameron and Colin Taylor; Katie and Emily Mikovch; Zen Michalski; Riley, Natalie, Jack Peyton; Dylan and Annabelle Collins. Sisters Shirley (Robert) Willoughby of Madisonville, Kentucky, Sylvia (Robert) Leroy of Austin, Judith Ervin of Cincinnati, brother-in-law Willard Brown of Cincinnati, and many loving nieces and nephews. The family is thankful for compassionate caregivers Susan Durham, and Misty Dehart, whose skills, kindness, and devotion were a great comfort during Sue’s final years. A Celebration of Life Service will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Kerr Brothers-Harrodsburg Road. Visitation will be 12-1 PM at the funeral home.