Joan McQuinn Branch

Mrs. Joan McQuinn Branch, 79, of Walnut Cove, passed away Saturday afternoon, October 23, 2021, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. Mrs. Branch was born December 6, 1941, in Marion County, IN, the daughter of the late Ira Clellan McQuinn, Sr. and Ethel Gertrude Rackley McQuinn. Joan worked as an administrative assistant for most of her adult life. She was a devoted and faithful Christian and a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Walnut Cove. Joan served as a Sunday school teacher and Vacation Bible School Director for many years, along with various church activities. Mrs. Branch volunteered countless hours as the bowling coach for Surry County Special Olympics, an organization that was dear to her heart. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, James William “J.W.” Branch, Sr. of the home; three sons and two daughters-in-law, James William “Sonny” Branch, Jr. and Robin Branch of Walnut Cove, Dewayne and Beth Branch of Parrish, FL, and Dean Branch of the home; her grandchildren, Jared and Melanie Branch of Sumter, SC, Patrick Branch and Izzy Fulks of Walnut Cove, and Ciani Branch of Parrish, FL; a great-grandchild, Rhiley Branch of Sumter, SC; four brothers and sisters-in-law, James R. McQuinn of Wenatchee, WA, Don and Gloria McQuinn of Westfield, Jeff Evans of Indianapolis, IN, Ralph and Kathy Mier of Camby, IN, Josette McQuinn of Woodbridge, VA, and Judy McQuinn of Madison, WI; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Novella and George Champion of Salisbury, Linda and Tony Jackson of High Point, and Harold and Peggy Branch of Matthews; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Branch was preceded in death by her stepparents, Otto Kearns and Cassie McQuinn; three brothers, Ira Clellan McQuinn, Jr., Charles L. McQuinn, and Bob McQuinn; and a sister-in-law, Mary Etta Branch Moxley. A service of worship and celebration of Joan’s life will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 3:00 PM at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with the Rev. Abby Catoe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 until 2:30 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eldora Handicamp, c/o Kevin Simpson, 1994 Twin Oaks Road, Elkin, NC 28621; or First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), P.O. Box 337, Walnut Cove, NC 27052. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home/Trellis for the care and compassion shown to Joan and her family. Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson is serving the family.