Written by Julia Rodriquez Asst. Opinions Editor

Amanda Gail Hayes Branch, 39, sophomore psychology major at Valdosta State University, passed away at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare on Monday, March 21.

Branch was a resident of Doerun, GA., and was born on April 19, 1976 in Americus, GA.  Frankie Lambert Hayes of Leesburg, GA and the late Raymond Hayes, Sr. were her parents.  Branch attended Doerun First Baptist Church and was a member of Philma Road Baptist Church.

The mother of Branch, her two brothers, Raymond Hayes of Smithville, Ga. and Sammy Hayes of Leesburg, Ga; her husband, Donnie Kevin Branch of Doerun, Ga.; and three daughters, Kylie Branch, Macey Branch and Haylen Branch all of Doerun, Ga. are her surviving family.

At Cobb Funeral Chapel in Moultire, GA, the family received friends, Wednesday March 23. Dr. David Benton officiated the graveside rites Thursday, March 24 at Smithville Cemetery at Smithville.

“Please join Catherine and me in keeping her family and friends in our thoughts and prayers,” President Cecil P. Staton, said in an email announcement.