Sarah Muriel Smith Branson, age 83 of Smyrna died Friday February 19, 2016, after a brief illness. She was a native of Rutherford County and was the daughter of the late Etta Heath Smith and Robert Smith. Mrs. Branson was also preceded in death by her brother Robert Kenneth Smith and granddaughter, Amy Branson Trevino.

She was a graduated from Central High School in Murfreesboro; attended State Teachers College. She married her high school sweetheart, William "Bill" Branson, when he returned from the Korean War. They moved to Maine where he was stationed. Their work and interest took them to Nashville, Jackson, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

Mrs. Branson is survived by her husband of 63 years, William "Bill" Branson; her sons, Mark Branson and wife Adrianne of Jackson, MS., Steve Branson of Smyrna; daughter, Patti Hale and husband Steve of Hoffman Estates IL.; her sister, Margaret Ann Smith of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Brian, Joey, Gina, Alan, Wesley, Kevin and Krista Hale, Andrew Branson, Jenny McCluskey and seven great-grandchildren.

She was member of Parkway Baptist Church. Mrs. Branson was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family and church were important to her.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Monday at Parkway Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Grandson will be Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be church Deacons. Visitation will be 4:00PM to 8:00PM Sunday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family of Mrs. Branson at www.woodfinchapel.com