Edward Branch

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. — II Tim. 4:7 EDWARD (BOZA) BRANCH, the fourth of fourteen children born to McKinley and Beatrice Branch was born on January 9, 1929 in Severn, North Carolina. After a lengthy illness he entered the city of eternal rest on Monday, February 13, 2012. At an early age Edward, lovingly called Boza by family and friends, moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he received his education in its public schools. Around 1949, the love of his life Lizzie Ella also made the move to Baltimore and on November 17, 1951 they were joined in holy matrimony. In February of 1954 Lizzie gave birth to their only child Roslyn (Robin). As a young man, Edward received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at Severn Baptist Church in North Carolina. After moving to Baltimore he joined the fellowship of Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Chamberlain. He later moved his membership to Shepherd Community Baptist Church, where he remained until his death, under the leadership of Rev. Andrew Ferges, Jr. He was a gift to the body of Christ where he praised God and performed his servant duty as a Trustee to the church. Edward’s nature was that of a quiet man who loved the Lord and was always faithful to his family, church, and friends. He was also a true lover of gospel music and was a long time member of The Singing Disciples. He was employed with the Maryland Cup Company for seventeen years where he was known and admired for his strong work ethics. During his seventeen years of employment he never missed a day from work. After leaving Maryland Cup, his entrepreneurial drive took over and he decided to be his own boss. He owned and operated several dry cleaning establishments in the city until his health began to fail. Edward leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Roslyn (Robin) Branch; sisters, Rosa Bishop (Roland), Ida Mae Sykes, Clementine Clements (Charles) and Donnie Mae Grady (Lewis); sisters-in-law, Elma Lou Hardy, Dorothy Branch, Darlene Branch and LaGrant Branch. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Lizzie Branch and his siblings, Linnie, Elmo, Nathaniel (Peter), McKinley Jr. (Dukie), Irene Hardy, Mary Lee Joyner, Mary Lucy Robinson and Willie James (Punta

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Edward Branch

January 9, 1929 - February 13, 2012