Terri Branham

Terri Dillard Branham, age 66, of River Road, McCaysville, passed away after a short illness Saturday, December 3, surrounded by her family.

Terri was a generous and kind soul who loved her family, her church and especially her grandsons.

She is a Fannin County native, born September 27, 1956, to the late Luther “Buster” Dillard and Ruth Ann Jones Dillard.

She was a member of Williamstown United Methodist Church and a former board member of the Grace in Him Ministry and the Gideon’s Auxiliary. Terri attended Young Harris College and LaGrange College where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, and later she obtained her masters degree from North Georgia College. Terri started her teaching career in Hogansville, Georgia, and then continued her career in Wilkes County, Georgia for 18 years. She finished her teaching career in Fannin County from where she retired in 2008. She enjoyed helping others, spending time with her three grandsons, going to the movies and working jigsaw puzzles.

Although Terri had initially said she would never fly anywhere, during her retirement she traveled to six different countries to spend time with grandsons Zeke and Simon. Her latest travels were a little closer as her third and youngest grandson, Sam, lives in Cumming, Georgia.

Terri was the president of the Williamstown United Methodist Women (UMW) where under her leadership the group raised funds to support the needy of our community as well as meet needs within the church. She had a special passion for supporting the food pantry of Harbor Ministries. She also was a big supporter of Vacation Bible School where she was the science activity leader. Terri challenged all kids, especially the teenagers, to make the most important decision of their life to trust God and surrender their life to Him.

Terri was preceded in death by her brother, Marty Dillard.

Survivors include her husband, Edward Branham of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Josh Caldwell of Frankfurt, Germany; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Grey Hobbs of Cumming; grandsons, Zeke and Simon Caldwell and Samuel Hobbs; sisters, Vicki and Theresa (TC) Dillard; brother and sister-in-law, George and Melinda Dillard, all of McCaysville; sister-in-law and dear friend, Cindy Cowan Dillard of Blue Ridge; brother-in-law, Ray Branham of Washinton, Georgia, and sister-in-law, Agnes Hayden of Martinez, Georgia, along with aunts, nieces, nephews cousins and other relatives, and many dear friends whom she loved like family.

Visitation with the family was Tuesday, December 6, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home in McCaysville.

The service was held Wednesday, December 7, at 1 p.m. at Williamstown United Methodist Church, on the River Road, just outside of McCaysville.

Pallbearers will be Chris Chastain, Stacy Chastain, Crews Chastain, Drew Dillard, Tyler Dillard and Tony Tichler.

Flowers are welcome but donations in memory of Terri can also be made to the Williamstown UMW at P.O. Box 219, McCaysville, Georgia.

Thank you from the family for all the prayers and support. Terri was a child of God whose faith carried her through her life and especially through the last challenging days. Terri’s parting words would certainly be, “If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, do it TODAY,” as you don’t know when your last day will be.

Arrangements were entrusted to Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, Georgia.