Mary Branson

Mary "Annie" Branson, 75, of Riverton, died at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2009 at Memorial Medical Center. Annie was born November 7, 1934 in Springfield, the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth Sullivan Hudspeth. She married James "J.D." Branson on June 10, 1966 in Springfield. Annie together with her husband, Jim ran Jim and Annie's Tavern in Spaulding where she was well known in the community for the catfish she cooked. She also worked as a cook for several years at the Williamsville School District. Annie was a strong woman who never complained, was a go getter and very hard working. She was a family woman and her family was No. 1 to her. She enjoyed fishing in her younger years and loved to cook. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Kirby Simmering; four brothers, Howard, Donald, Jake and Jerry Hudspeth; and two sisters, Ida Entwistle and Dorothy Patkes. She is survived by her husband, James; one son, Kevin (wife, Kathi) Simmering of Riverton; seven daughters, Karla (husband, Allen) Janssen of Greenview, Kim Peterman of Riverton, Karen (husband, Tony) Johnson of Springfield, Kay Grieme of Sherman, Linda (husband, Don) Daugherty and Jeanne (husband, Peter) Campo, both of Springfield, and Nancy (husband, Gary) Bartel of Chandlerville; Several grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Dona (husband, Virgil) Dawson of CA and several nieces and nephews. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield with Rev. Vaughn Beeman, officiating. A funeral ceremony will follow at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Drive, Suite 403, Decatur, IL 62526.