Obituary

Charlene Ingram Branch

December 6, 1941 - January 26, 2025

Charlene Ingram Branch, age 83 and of Bogalusa, LA, passed away on Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, at University Medical Center of New Orleans, LA.

Charlene exemplified the essence of a sophisticated businesswoman. She graduated from Pine High School in 1959 and later from Soule Business College. She retired after many years in the workforce at Crown Zellerbach, Gaylord, and later Temple-Inland. Charlene also dedicated many years serving on the board of directors for Zellco Federal Credit Union. 

Charlene was well regarded by many, and those who knew her best were aware of her love for shopping, collecting antiques, and tending to her beautiful flower beds. Her yard was honored with the title of Garden of the Month multiple times over the years. She often said that working in her flower beds was her therapy, and they were always a remarkable sight.

Charlene is survived by her twin sons, Donny Branch and Danny Branch, both of Bogalusa, LA; six grandchildren: Megan Branch Bailey (Dustin), Shenia Branch (Jordan), Blake Jarrell, Chase Branch, Chasity Branch, and Mesha Branch; her sister, Marlene Ingram Ard of Thomasville, AL, and Charles O. Ingram of Bogalusa, LA; fourteen great-grandchildren: Caroline Branch, Ashlyn Vining, Reagan Vining, Laken Vining, Colin Vining, Lillian Vining, Eden Vining, Avery Branch, Gavin Branch, Bailor Branch, Kinley Jarrell, Chloe Jarrell, Carson Jarrell, and Bryson Quinn; one great-great-granddaughter, Londyn McDowell; and three nieces, Stacey Ingram Culpepper, Charmaine Ingram Reeves, and Michelle Ard Mayton.

Charlene was joyfully reunited at the heavenly gates with her beloved husband of 62 years, Billy Joe Branch; her parents, Charlie Ovead Ingram and Inez Miley Ingram; her great-grandson, Grason Bailey; and her brother-in-law, Richard M. Ard

The pallbearers will include Brandon Freeman, Johnny Crain, Jr., Clinton Miley, Jr., Frank Foret, Scott Freeman, and Matt Slade. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Johnnie Crain, Sr., and Donald Ingram.

Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Bogalusa, LA, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Visitation will be from 11 AM to 2 PM, with services beginning at 2 PM. Reverend Lynn Martin will officiate the service, with interment at Miley Cemetery in Pine, LA.