Marguerite Webster Branch passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Wesley Pines Retirement Home in Lumberton at the age of 96. She was born in Bennettsville, SC to the late Milam Peele Webster Pearson and the late James Hartley Webster, Jr., who died when she was five years old. The family moved to Gibson, NC where her mother married Marguerite's stepfather, Ernest Clifton Pearson.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Harold Webster.

A graduate of Charlotte College of Commerce, she was employed by attorney William Samuel Britt as a legal secretary for many years before spending over 20 years at Southern National Bank, where she was renowned for her attention to detail prior to her retirement.

Marguerite was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

She is survived by her children, David Ferrell Branch, Jr. (wife JoAnne), Stephen Melvin Branch (wife Fran), and Beth Gibson Branch Blake (husband Willie); her grandchildren: Wesley and Jordan Branch, Ben, Anderson, Lizzie and Jack Branch, Garrett Straughn (wife Katie), and Sarah Wallwork Woods (husband Cameron); her beloved brother, Harold Pearson (wife Constance); and four great-grandchildren.

As a dedicated member of First Baptist Church, she could always be counted to work behind the scenes as a top barbeque ticket seller to benefit the youth, a volunteer in the office on Monday mornings, and was a treasured member and secretary of the T.E.L. - Ladies Fellowship Sunday School class, whose members she considered dear friends.  She was a caring and kind helper to many who remember her selfless acts of service in driving them to appointments, delivering a meal, or visiting with an encouraging smile and loving words.

As a little girl, her granddaughter, Sarah, affectionately began calling her, "Granny Cat," and the legend began. It was a fitting nickname for someone as soft and kind, yet tenacious and strong, as this dear woman. She is cherished for her fierce loyalty to family and friends and the many ways in which she showed her love to so many. During her time at Wesley Pines, her caregivers lovingly referred to this tiny woman with her deep blue eyes and easy smile as "our Granny Cat."

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 3:30 PM at First Baptist Church in Lumberton with Reverend Joshua K. Owens officiating. A time of visitation will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Lumberton or Samaritan Colony in Rockingham, NC.