Jerlean Aurelia (Branch) Edwards

Jerlean Aurelia Branch Edwards was born to Franklin, Sr. and Aurelia Roquemore Branch on July 4th, 1935, in Houston, Texas. She was the 1st of 14 children born to this union. She attended the Houston Public Schools and graduated from Jack Yates High School in the Class of 1953.

At an early age she united and was baptized at McGee Missionary Baptist Church in Addicks, Texas. Jerlean’s parents wanted her to take music lessons and for most of her life she was a choir musician and director, pioneering a successful choir under Rev. Walter K. Berry’s leadership. In July 1976, she joined Pisidia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R. R. Hartwell. After the death of Rev. R. R. Hartwell, she continued her membership under the leadership of Rev. Albert Walker, Jr. She was heavily involved in the church. Jerlean was in the Mission, served as the Children’s Choir Musician, sang in the Mass Choir, and was a successful fundraiser for many organizations in the church.

Jerlean attended Texas Southern University for four years, majoring in business and later switching to music. She was employed by Montgomery Ward for 27 years, she served as manager of the Buffeteria, Candy, Lingerie, and at the time of her retirement she was the manager of Fine Jewelry Departments. After retirement, Jerlean worked for her daughter Elester Reneé, at Programs Plus by Reneé for over 25 years and was a dynamic typist and proofreader, ensuring there were never mistakes on programs.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Charles Edwards and to this union Dano Loria and Abigail Donita were born. Later in life, she became the mother of Cynthia Ann, Elester Reneé, and Craig Douglas.

Jerlean is preceded in death by her parents, Franklin Branch Sr. and Aurelia Roquemore Branch; her daughter, Cynthia Ann Edwards; her two brothers, Franklin Branch Jr. (Dorothy) and Theodore Branch Sr. (Barbara); her sister-in-law, Sijaama Branch; her niece, Lisa Teamer; her nephew, Ellery “Tank” Jackson Jr.; great niece, Crystal Mitchell; great nephew, Keenan Branch.

She is survived by her four children, Dano Edwards, Abigail Stredic (Rev. G. Philip Jr.), Elester Reneé Ojeah, Craig Edwards; grandchildren, Marquis Edwards, Brianna Bynam-Edwards, Christen Pickens, and MaKayla Ojeah; her siblings, James Branch (Barbara), John Branch (Johnnie), Erma Jean Adams (Clinton), Charles Branch (Felicia), Margaret Jackson (Ellery Sr.), Herman Branch (Jeanette), Mary Walker (Peter Sr.), Felton Branch, Brenda Martin (Darrell Sr.), E. Stanley Branch (Gail), Kenneth Branch, Sr. (Mixdrey); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.