Elijah Thomas Branton, age 6, of the Sullins Branch community, gained his angel wings on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his papaw, Danny Branton; great-grandma “Tootie”; great-grandpa, Jackie Mathis; and his great-grandma, Janice Wheeler.
Elijah was a bright and joyful little boy whose laughter could light up any room. Though his time here on earth was far too short, he touched the hearts and lives of everyone who knew him in the most beautiful way.
He loved being outdoors; hunting for insects, feeding the deer with his papaw, catching crawfish in the creek or carp fishing with his daddy. Elijah was small but he was mighty and had excitement for every adventure and found wonder in all things. When he wasn’t running around playing, he loved reading books about sharks and sharing fun facts he learned. He loved spending time with his little brother and sister, as well as his aunt and uncle, Hayden and Peyton. His favorite after school treat ice cream; especially when it was pumpkin flavored.
Elijah’s big heart and endless curiosity brought happiness to all who had the privilege of knowing him. The enormous love he gave and the joy he brought will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.
Left to cherish the special moments they shared with Elijah are his parents; Paul and Annie Branton of Spruce Pine, NC; siblings: Layton and Huntlee Branton; paternal grandmother, Gail Branton of Burnsville, NC; maternal grandparents Jarrod Autrey (Gelene) and Renee Autrey (Shawn) all of Burnsville, NC; uncles: Hayden Branton (Peyton) of Mars Hill, NC and John Coleman of Burnsville, NC; aunt, Nicaela Austin (Brandon) of Burnsville, NC; cousin, Isac Austin; his nanny, Reba Austin; his pappy and nana: Ronnie and Sylvia Autrey; great-grandpa, John Blakeslee; several cousins and extended family also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Burial will follow at Carroway Cemetery. Rev. Jamie Honeycutt will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home.
To send online condolences, please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
