Dorothy "Dot" Garland Brankley

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dorothy ‘Dot’ Garland Brankley, on February 22, 2025, at the age of 93.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Davis Brankley, parents, Archer and Annie Sue Clark Garland as well as brothers William C. Garland and Archer H. Garland. A faithful mother, grandmother, and pillar of strength, Dot was the cornerstone of our family, whose love, guidance, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of many.

Dot dedicated her life to her family. She was a devoted mother to Keith Davis Brankley (Rhonda), Karen Sue Brankley Whitten (Edwin), Mark Garland Brankley, Carol Ann Brankley Jones (Jeff) and Janet Fay Brankley Buchanan (David), and a beloved grandmother to Hannah Marie Whitten (Jacob Bower), Clint Davis Whitten, Ian Brankley Jones (Kimberly), Lauren Hite Jones Pugh (Scott), Autumn Barton Harbour (Jason) and Amber Barton Schwalm (Jeff) and great grandchildren, Lily Mae Jones, Liam Harbour, Brennan Harbour, Kieran Harbour, Afton Schwalm and Eileen Schwalm, whom she helped raise with boundless dedication and care. Throughout her life, she opened her home to others, offering comfort and kindness to all who were lucky enough to know her.

As a homemaker and farmwife, she worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Henry Davis ‘H.D.’ Brankley, managing the household and caring for the farm. Her hands were always busy, whether tending to the land or for the next generation. ‘Dot’ was always known for her legendary country cooking including fried squash blooms, snaps, buttermilk biscuits, and her famous fried chicken.

Her legacy of selflessness, dedication, and strength will forever live on in her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched. We take solace knowing that her love will continue to guide us, as we cherish the memories she leaves behind.

A service to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held at Ephesus United Methodist Church on February 25, 2025 at 2:00. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ephesus Methodist Church in her honor.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brankley family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.watkinscooperlyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.