Janet Suddreth Branch

Janet Suddreth Branch entered her Heavenly home on January 3, 2024. Parkinson’s disease deteriorated her body but never could touch her clever mind or love of family and life. Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Larry Cannon Branch as well as her parents D.D. and Stella Suddreth. Now she is reunited with loved ones and eats at the banquet table to celebrate her Homecoming.

Janet was born on June 28, 1940 the middle child of a tight knit family of five. She leaves behind her siblings Joanne Cresson of Waco, Texas, Bob Suddreth (Gwen), Nancy Church Moore, and Gail Dudley (Jim) all of Lenoir. Janet was surrounded by her loving family and friends she considered family who kept constant vigil with her during her final days.  Her children Chris Branch and Leigh Anne Caldwell (John), daughter-in-law Courtney Branch, her Goddaughter Leslie Coffey (Mark) and their children, as well as, her grandchildren Davis Fennell (Matt), Morgan Drum, Abby Drum, Stella Branch, Jayden Drum, Zach Caldwell, Elizabeth and Anna will continue to carry Janet with them in their hearts. Janet has numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Janet was a gifted artist whose pastel and oil paintings grace the walls of family and friends, but her special talent was hospitality. She could turn a long car trip into a game. She hosted parties for her Women’s Club, Lenoir High School reunions, and numerous family gatherings at her home.  Her pool was a revolving door of family and friends each summer. Janet was a lifelong member of College Avenue Baptist Church where she shared her gifts in the kitchen to support church activities, decorating as she did with outreach such as the Alpine Village at Christmas, and singing with Larry in the choir.  She and Larry were huge supporters of athletics at Hibriten High School, the Lenoir Optimist Club, or Appalachian State.

Janet loved people and adventure. With her best friend Pat Eller in tow she explored the globe from foreign lands such as China and Scotland to domestic locales such as New York. She visited Israel with Larry and her sister Joanne. She crossed the United States with Larry’s sister Shirley Short and her husband Harry making many trips to Florida to visit them.

Janet made a tradition of taking her whole family on vacation in the summer. Over the years, that trip expanded to include Larry’s brother Jack Branch, - really she welcomed anyone who wanted to join the fold - wrapping them in the warmth of family. Janet’s huge heart led to big, loud, laughing vacations filled with card games and stories. Her holiday gatherings were renowned for food, elegance, and fellowship where it was never a problem to add another chair to her table. Ten days prior to her last, Janet hosted a family Christmas gathering and had each person in attendance share an anecdote about their favorite Christmas. So many stories involved the family memories she created. It was wonderful.

Janet spent her last years at Kingston Residence in Hickory. The family would like to thank the many CNAs, nurses, and staff who loved and cared for “JB”. Janet expressed the desire that in lieu of flowers donations be made to College Avenue Baptist Church to support the mission to spread God’s love and message. To her last day, Janet wanted nothing more than to bring one more lost soul to the table. The family will celebrate her life on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at College Avenue Baptist Church in Lenoir. The family will receive friends at 2:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.evansfuneralservice.com.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Janet Branch.