Gina "Gigi" Branch

Born the second of four daughters to Anthony and Ernestine "Tina" Simien, Gina entered this world on October 11, 1960, in San Diego, California. She attended Catholic school in California before relocating to Houston, Texas. There, she continued her education at Black Middle School and met her soon-to-be husband, Robert Louis Branch.

A bright and driven young woman, Gina graduated from Waltrip High School at just 16 years old. Shortly after, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert, in a beautiful ceremony on January 17, 1977. Together, they built a loving home and welcomed their first daughter, Sha'maria Raquel, on February 8, 1979, followed by their second daughter, Kimberly Alexandria Michelle, on March 10, 1983.

For many years, Gina was a devoted housewife and mother until 1987, when she pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. She attended San Jacinto College, graduated as a Registered Nurse, and began her career at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU. Gina was known for her kindness, empathy, and impeccable bedside manner—earning the love and admiration of her young patients and their families. She worked there for 10 years before joining the Sean Ashley House as an RN, where she continued to provide extraordinary care. Known for her attention to detail and warmth, she lovingly gave her patients special nicknames like "Cookie." Gina retired in 2019 after nearly 20 years of dedicated service at Sean Ashley.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Robert; her daughter Sha'maria; her mother Ernestine Samuels; her "Mother-in-Love" Bobbie Jean; her grandson CJ; brothers-in-love Donald, Earl, and Alex; sisters-in-love Claudia, Charlene, and Barbara Ann; her aunt Gloria; and both sets of grandparents, Houston and Louvertta Simien.

Gina leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving daughter Kimberly; grandchildren Cayla Robynn, Kayden, and Robert; siblings Gailya “Roqui” (Michael), Lynn, Krissandra, Nina, Tico, Dustin (Kisha), and Dominic; Sisters-in-Love Lecia and Gwen; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Gina's legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Homegoing Celebration for Gigi will be held Saturday, March 29 at 1:00 p.m. at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.

Following the Homegoing Celebration all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Gina during a repast in the event room at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 S. Kirkwood Road in Stafford.