Eliza Mae Branham

Eliza Mae Williams Branham, affectionately known by family members, as Katie B, and by close friends as Liza, was born in Milstead, Alabama on December 5, 1932.  

Liza was raised by Malinda “Lindy” Williams. After Lindy passed, her daughter, Mary Bell “Maebell” Williams, continued raising Liza. As a young girl, Liza attended Prairie Farms School.  She attended high school at Booker T Washington, in Montgomery Alabama, and went on to attend Wayne School of Practical Nursing, in Chicago, Illinois.

Liza confessed Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Calebee Baptist Church, in Macon County, Alabama.

Liza met her first husband, Horace L. Humphrey at Booker T.Washington High School, where he used to pull her hair. They courted, hugging while sitting on the porch swing, and were later married on that same porch. In 1954, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and shortly after their arrival, gave birth to Horace Michael Humphrey. 

Liza held several jobs, to include Jimmy’s Café.  While working at Jimmy’s Café, Liza met, who would become her second husband, John Branham.  Liza and John married in 1964.  Later, in 1968, John and Liza, along with a group of people met at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Grant Tilford, to discuss the prospect of organizing a church.  This group of people became the founding members of Christ Memorial Baptist Church.  Eliza would later hold church positions, including Sunday School Superintendent, Church Secretary, and head of the Nurse’s Guild.  Until her transition, Sister Branham was the last living founding member.

Eliza was a devoted member of Salem Chapter #9, Queen Esther Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She moved thru the ranks of The Eastern Star, rising to Associate Grand Matron, of Queen Esther Grand Chapter, Ohio.   In 2001, she was nominated as Grand Matron, and declined due to her son’s failing health, knowing she wouldn’t be able to give the Orderthe attention it would require.

Liza loved to bowl, and formed several teams, bowling in multiple leagues across the Tri-State.

Eliza transitioned, Saturday April 17, 2021, at her home.  She was preceded in death by: her mother, Anna Lou Terrell McTier,her husband, John W. Branham, her son, Horace Michael Humphrey, and her grandson, Michael Valdez Humphrey.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter in law, Glenda Humphrey, her brother, John (Delilah) McTier, her Step Sister, Alice Powell, granddaughters, Michelle R. Humphrey and Shalisha J. Russell, and a multitude of family and friends.

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