Jessie Branscum

Jessie Branscum, 88, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Ft. Smith, AR.  Jessie was born August 5, 1930 in  Shawmut, AR to Otis & Cora (Wright) Cox.  Jessie was raised in a small country home in Shawmut.  Jessie was 8 years old when her mother passed away.  She had a hard but fulfilling childhood, helping her family survive through the Depression years with whatever opportunities came along in the Ozark hills.  Those included traveling to the fields to pick apples, tomatoes, whatever was in season for an itinerant picker.  Jessie met her first husband, Floyd Butler in McAlester, OK while working at a sanatorium.  They  married  Nov. 22, 1948 and were married 23 years until his death.  Family was most important in her life.  She looked forward to the Cox family reunion in Murfreesboro, AR every year.  She was very close to her brothers & sisters.   She believed God & family came first.  Jessie married her second husband, Albert Branscum, January 3, 1973, again married 23 years until his death in 1996.  Albert and  Jessie moved back to Poteau from Tahlequah in the ‘70’s to retire.  They loved the Poteau & Fanshawe area of Oklahoma. They enjoyed the wonderful distant view of Cavanal from their home; the view was always framed with the variety of  beautiful flowers  that Jessie loved to grow.  She was always happy to share cuttings and growing tips.   Jessie was a full time homemaker, mother & grandmother.  She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed planning and preparing food for family and friends.  Jessie was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Flora Cox; husbands, Floyd Butler and Albert Branscum; brothers, Bernis  Cox and Roy Cox; sister, Imogene Mardis.

She is survived by her daughter, Vickie Butler; grandson, Kalib Butler;  brother, Basel Cox; sister & brother in law, Virginia & John Pike; other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with Rev. Phil McGehee officiating.  Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Poteau.  The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with family and friends.