Bernard Branch, age 66 of Grand Rapids, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Branch and Lou Edna Branch; granddaughter, Autumn Tims; and many aunts and uncles. Bernard is survived by his daughter, Nikita (Anthony) Tims; grandchildren, Latavia Tims, AtLantis Tims, Tony Tims; grandparents, Melvin Branch, Mattie Lue Roberson Holmes, Alphonzia James Owens, Corrine Owens; brothers, Gerald Edwards, Bobby (Katrina) Branch, Stephen H. Branch; sister, Renee Edwards; nieces and nephews, Nicole Moss, Lashonda Edwards, Odessa Edwards, Bobby John Branch, and many other loving nephews and nieces and a Special friend Nancy Smith. Bernard graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and attended Mississippi Valley State University and was a standout basketball player on the Men’s Basketball Team. He worked for Lacks Industries for 20 years. Bernard enjoyed all sports, especially basketball and fishing. His viewing will take place at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with visitation one-hour prior. Rev. Kenneth Hoskins officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery.
“A Brother is a gift to the heart and a friend to the spirit”.
12 Responses
Sending Prayers for his family and friends!
Bernard will be deeply missed and Forever in our hearts!
He was the Best neighbor Ever!
Bernard was an Angel to everyone he came in contact with.
RIP my Friend whom I called Family!
RIP Bernard long time friend
May the good Lord open his gates for you my dear friend. Always and forever, Janice Mayberry
My condolences to family gonna miss u nard and thanks for being my friend u was one of the first guys who showed me around Mississippi Valley never will u be forgotten Rih Nard
Condolences to the entire Branch Family. Bernard was such a nice and kind person. The Branches were my childhood neighbors and we had great times on Barth and Sigsbee streets. Bobby, Stevie, just know that I will be praying that God comfort you all as well as everyone in the Branch family.
Rest in Peace Bernard
My condolences to the family and my prayer is that God be your comfort during these difficult times. One of my closest friends whom I affectionately called “Bernie” over 55 years ago. Words cannot describe how much it hurts. But, beyond the pain of grief is the assurance that he has a strong relationship with God and that lets me know he is in the best of hands. RIP Bernie and I’ll see you one of these mornings.
Rest easy Nard. Thank you for being such a great friend to my Big Brother, Kenny Wayne. You will be missed. I pray your soul is at rest. Keeping your Family lifted up in prayer.
Rest in peace Bernard
Sending sincere condolences to Bobby, Steve & the rest of the Branch family. Praying for you all. Rest well “Lefty”.
Sending sincere condolences to Bobby, Steve & the rest of the Branch family. Praying for you all. Rest well “Lefty”.
RIp my I will always miss are talk
My condolences to the branch family