Branda Mangum, born October 1, 1945, was a vivacious, generous soul who faced a life of challenges with grace, wit, and a seemingly endless reserve of grit. Branda passed away early on the afternoon of September 22, 2022, after a battle with cancer.
Her artist’s eye, coupled with a commitment to excellence, created astounding quilts, intricate needlepoint, and brilliant decorative arts bursting with imagination, art that reflected her unsinkable beauty, both inside and out.
Those creative endeavors were matched by a devotion to gardening, regularly growing multiple crops each year regardless of where life took her, regardless of soil or season. From the scrub palm woods of northern Florida to the lush Oregon coast, she coaxed cornucopia of fruits and vegetables and every flower lucky enough to fall within her green-thumbed grasp.
That commitment also produced a relentless fighter and champion for good, crystalized by her joining the U.S. Marines the day after she graduated high school. She would go on to serve with distinction and honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
In the late 1980s, Branda relocated from Oregon to St. Augustine Beach, Florida.
Branda and Mike met and married in October 1989 and settled in Palatka.
For several years Branda and Mike would journey to the Oregon coast to spend extended periods at her son Eric’s ranch near Reedsport. Besides being able to enjoy time with Eric and his wife, they also had the opportunity to watch their only grandchild, Avery, grow from infant to high schooler.
Branda is survived by her husband Mike, two sons, and their wives, Troy and Carrie Brandon, Eric and Laura Brandon, and grandson Avery, stepdaughter Jill Mangum (Craig Cunningham), stepson Steve Mangum (Rebecca), her brothers Daniel (Anina), Robert (Patty), John (Ross) and George (Sharon).
The family plans a private memorial service and asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Community Hospice and Palliative Care.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Branda’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.