Carolyn "Sue" Branham

Carolyn Sue Branham, a resident of Westville for 62 years, passed away on October 3, 2024 at OSF Sacred Heart Hospital in Danville, Illinois. She was 80 years old. She was born on September 23, 1944 to the late James and Lucille Nixon and was affectionately referred to as “Everyone’s Aunt Sue” by nearly everyone who knew her for she had the ability to make everyone feel loved and like family. Sue worked at GE/ Valmont for over 20 years before her eventual retirement when the plant closed.

Sue was the beloved wife of her husband, Bill, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage for 62 years. They married on July 7, 1962 in Bismarck, Illinois. Their love was a shining example of devotion, especially when Bill went overseas to serve his country in Vietnam soon after they were wed. The love Sue had for Bill never faltered throughout the years. She also poured her heart into her many nieces and nephews, whom she cherished like her own. She had a passion for decorating her home and had the ability to transform any house into a home. Her home was a warm sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and the delightful aroma of her famous homemade meals. Family gatherings were highlighted by her renowned oyster dressing and comforting chicken and noodles. Dishes that were often served in Pioneer Woman dishware and will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of sharing them.

She looked forward to spending time with her many friends that she thought of as her chosen family throughout the years. She will fondly be remembered as a slot machine professional and for never going anywhere without at least one Chapstick in her pocket. In her younger years, Sue lit up the dancefloor with her jitterbug and was quite the pitcher for her softball team. However, more recently, her preferred hobby was shopping and was something her nieces were able to benefit from as well for Sue always shared her treasures with them.

Sue leaves behind her beloved husband William “Bill” Branham; her nephews GW (Theresa) Combs and Rob (Stacy) Boen; nieces June (Harry) Hatch, Kathy, and Karen; sister Unita Summerlot; and in-laws Sharon Nixon and Darlene (Roger) Boen. She also leaves behind an extended circle of friends and several special nieces and nephews that are too plentiful in number to name but just as dear to Sue. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Jack, Gene, Billy, Jimmy, and Patty Nixon; and her dog Lucy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the heartfelt nursing staff at OSF ICU for the wonderful care Sue received, especially Jennifer and Aneika.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 10 am – 12 pm at Sunset Funeral Home’s Urbas Chapel, located at 414 S. State Street in Westville. A funeral service celebrating her life will follow the visitation at 12 pm at the funeral home. Pastor Steve Pearson will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Danville National Cemetery following services that day. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in her name to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with her family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.