Lelia Kay Branton, age 72, went Home to be with the Lord Wednesday, July 9th 2025, at Mission Hospital. She was a daughter of the late Stanley Garland Fortner. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Renee Fortner and Paula Smith.
Lelia was a dedicated employee at Glen Raven for over 40 years and had perfect attendance for many of those. She was an avid member of Youngs Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed watching game shows, working crossword puzzles and playing cards. She had a big giving heart and loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her mother, Joyce Honeycutt Van Patten she is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Dean Branton of Burnsville; sons: Russell Branton (Laura) of Little Switzerland and Randall Branton of Burnsville; daughter, Kim Blevins (Tim) of Burnsville; grandchildren: Christian Craig, Morgan Manning, Ava Blevins, Russell Branton Jr. (Angel Lytle Lewis) and Jayna Branton; two great-grandchildren; brother, Ronnie Fortner (Kathy) of Old Fort; brother-in-law, Wayne Branton of Plum Branch; sister-in-law, Emogene Thompson of Burnsville. Several extended family members also survive.
The family will receive friends 5 until 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 12th, 2025 at Yancey Funeral Services. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 13th, 2025 at Youngs Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. Pastors Phillip Hughes, Roger Thompson and Stanley McMahan will officiate. Burial will follow in the Youngs Chapel Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Marty Branton, Danny Branton, Daryl Silver, Adam Silver, Russell Branton Jr. and Spencer Bradley.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
