Rev. Branson L. Thurston

Rev. Branson L. Thurston, age 87, of Brentwood, Tennessee passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022. Branson was born March 27, 1935 near Gallup, New Mexico to the late, R. B. Thurston and Dorothy Branson Thurston. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Ted Thurston.

After graduating from Austin High School in El Paso, Texas, where Branson was named “All Austin Boy” in 1954, he attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he met his wife, Betty, as a pre-ministerial candidate. He later graduated from Perkins Seminary at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and went on to receive his doctorate in education from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.

Throughout his career, Branson remained committed to his love for the church and education, especially in the spiritual development of youth, college students, and adults. His first appointment was with the East Kansas Conference, where he served as Conference Director of Youth Work, in Baldwin City. He then served as Ledden Fellow and Instructor at Syracuse University where he enjoyed teaching Old Testament, World Religions, and other theology courses. After receiving his doctorate, he became a member of the Florida Annual Conference and served as Associate Professor of Religion at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and later as Administrative Dean. He also served as Dean of Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina, before accepting a dual appointment in Nashville, Tennessee, as member of the General Board of Discipleship and Editor of Youth and Adult Curriculum at the United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH). While at UMPH, he authored many materials including The United Methodist Way, which served as a guide to the discipline of United Methodist Church and Meet Your Bible and Discover Life for youth. In post-retirement, he continued to serve as a freelance writer for the Publishing House and served part-time as Pastor of Visitation for Brentwood United Methodist Church.

While at Southwestern, Branson joined Phi Delta Theta (Texas Gamma Chapter) and Alpha Chi Honorary Fraternity. Along with his wife Betty, he was dedicated to his children, Blake and Lori, as a member of the Brentwood High School Band Boosters and a beloved chaperone for many away visiting games and marching band competitions. He was always delighted to officiate weddings and baptisms when asked by his brother, daughter, nieces, nephews, extended cousins, and friends. He was also honored to serve as a Sunday School teacher and long-time member of Brentwood United Methodist Church. And of course, he loved spending time and family stories with his grandchildren as well as with his young nieces and nephew in Oklahoma.

Branson is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Lambert Thurston of Brentwood, Tennessee; son, Blake L. (Mylinda) Thurston of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; daughter, Blythe Lorraine (Trevor) Thurston-Smith of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Kinsley, Cressida and Ian; brother, Rev. Tim (Nancy) Thurston of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and their children, Melissa, Juliette, and Mark.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from ten o'clock in the morning until eleven o'clock in the morning on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Brentwood United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service will be held at eleven o'clock in the morning on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Brentwood United Methodist Church, Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027.

The Genesis Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Brentwood-Roesch-PattonFuneralHome.com for the Thurston family.