Mary Louise Braneff

Mary Louise Braneff, age 89, of Vidor, TX, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026. She was born on July 15, 1936, in Cheek, TX.

Her life was beautifully woven with love, faith, and family. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence brought comfort, warmth, and steadiness to everyone blessed to know her. Mary’s life was centered around family. Her husband, Estil, stood by her side for 68 years of marriage and devotion; they found peace in their love and comfort in each other’s hearts, never fighting or yelling. Their love blessed them with 5 children. She poured her heart into every role she held, and nothing brought her greater joy than caring for the people she loved. Her home was always open, whether you were family, friend, or simply someone in need of a place to feel welcome. With a gift for cooking, she nourished others with her meals and with a spirit of generosity that made her home a gathering place for all. To her grandchildren, she was “Nana,” a title she wore with pride; she loved them deeply. Her gentle guidance and faithful love shaped generations. Mary was hardworking, devoted, and grounded in her faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. Those who knew her will remember her as the true example of a lady, a woman who gave freely, loved deeply, and lived with a heart always open. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who went before her, and resting in the embrace of her Lord.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 68 years, Estil Braneff; children, Ira Braneff of Vidor, TX, Joe Braneff and wife, Patti of Monterey, TN, Janie Wolfsberger of Vidor, TX, Jimmy Braneff and wife, Deena of Junction, TX, and David Braneff and wife, Lisa of Beaumont, TX; brother, James Benoit of Bossier City, LA; grandchildren, Brittany White, Hanna Braneff-Cormier, Lynn Braneff, Bailey Braneff, Marissa Wolfsberger, Travis Wolfsberger, and Blayne Braneff; great-grandchildren, Briella White, Elijah White, Penelope Braneff, Waylon Braneff, and Winston Braneff; and a host of extended family, friends, and loved ones.

Preceding Mary in death are her parents, Clevence “C.J.” Joseph Benoit and Claudia Breaux Benoit; siblings, Merdie Winzer, Leona Louvier, Viola Blanchard Moss, Shirley Benoit, Howard Benoit, Chester Benoit, Eloise Sparks, and JoAnn McBride; and grandchildren, William Gifford, Blake Braneff, and Christian White.

Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, January 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Lumberton Family Funeral Home. Mary's life honoring funeral service will start at 12:00 p.m., January 5, 2026 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home with interment to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park.

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