She was born on Dec. 2, 1954, in Amherst to the late Pet and Evelyn Richardson.

She was preceded in death by a devoted husband, Charlie Briscoe Branche, a son, Shannon Branche, and her siblings Marguerite Jones (Eddie), Geneva Jones (Horace), Clinton Richardson (Ernie), and Lillie Smith (Fred). She leaves to cherish precious memories her sister, Joyce Twitty (Lewis) of Fishersville; her loving daughter, Sophia Branche; and two granddaughters, Layla Cooper and Alissa Stevens, of Midlothian; LaVeeta Branche of Lithonia,Ga., Chris Branche (Kim) of Glasgow; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends and extended family. Ella loved her family, especially spending time with her granddaughters, cooking, and tending to her garden and plants. She possessed impeccable taste and will be fondly remembered for her love of makeup, haircare, and dressing to the nines.

She was a graduate of Parry McCluer High School in Buena Vista, and Phillips Business School in Lynchburg. She retired from a fruitful career of over three decades at Groendyk Manufacturing Co./RBX Industries Inc. in Buchanan. Above all, Ella was committed to her late husband of more than 40 years and the beautiful family and life they built together. The family finds comfort in knowing they are together again.

A memorial service was held at Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington on Saturday, Dec. 23.

Arrangements were by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. N-G