Mark my love,  / Darlene Branham (wife)

Sometimes I wake at night and forget you're gone,  
Fresh from a dream of you,  I imagine that your voice,  
your touch,  is near.  Sometimes I find myself talking to you thoughout the day- imaginning conversations we might be having,  
sharing laughter over dinner,  sharing whispers and kisses on into the night.  Sometimes I walk into a room and hope you will magically be there- there to take me in your arms and ease this emptyiness I feel without you.  Sometimes I miss you more than words can express.  But more than that,  always......I love you!   

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A little something  / Joseph Kings Wife Judy (passerby)

I too have lost my soulmate, my best friend, my husband.
He was escorted back to his heavenly home on November 18, 2005. Its been almost 1 year ago, and the pain is as real today.
But I am very touched by your story about Mark.
I hope someday somehow we will all understand all the questions that we have today.

Mark, please hold each family member tight to your heart, they need  all your love and comfort to help them make it through the days ahead.

Sending hugs to you.

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Some Glad Morning  / Brycen Roy (friend)
     While there are no words to truly describe a great person, I think their life will always be remembered as a culmination of the special times we shared with them.
     In the summer, as a young kid, it seemed like every Sunday after church Mark wanted to go play softball.  It really didn't even have to be summer-as long as the sun was shinning and there wasn't snow on the ground, we were good to go.  When I would show up at the ball field, he'd already be there, usually the "all-time pitcher."  He was so much fun, always goofing around and cracking jokes.  When he would hit, he'd be huffin' and puffin' around the bases, referring to himself as the "little fat man," making everyone laugh even more...
     I miss so much hearing Mark's captivating voice... "Let's start meeting with number 223 in the red book."  Then he'd sing the first few bars, "Some glad morning we shall see Jesus in the air."  Since then, I've realized that as much as I miss Mark and wish he was still with us, he has had his glad morning.  This thought pushes me toward the perfection of Christ that Mark epitomized, so that someday I too might see Him some glad morning and share in His joy.
                            In Loving Memory,
                            Brycen R. Roy Close

If Tears Could Build A Stairway  / Darlene Branham (wife)
If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, 
I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again.  

No farewell words were spoken, No time to say "Goodbye". 
You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why. 

My heart still aches with sadness, and secret tears still flow. 
What it meant to love you- No one can ever know. 

Since you'll never be forgotten, I pledge to you today- 
A hollowed place within my heart is where you'll always stay. Close

IF I KNEW  / Darlene Branham (wife)
If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you," instead if assumming you would know I do.   

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance to make everything just right.

There will always be another day to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, 
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you 
were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last  wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.
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Forever Spring  / Cindy Pope (first cousin )
It is a beauitful spring day...the dogwood and redbud in full bloom.  The grass is taking on that new fresh green hue. The newness and beauty of this spring has brought my thoughts and feelings to you Mark. The constant of you within my heart seems so much like what I am seeing this beautiful glorious spring day. I have so many great memories....except I would not really call them memories.....because they are ever present, nor do they fade.  Within my heart you are forever spring.

Darlene, You and your children are always in my thoughts, my love and prayers. I have went through this web site several times. I have enjoyed others thoughts, love and prayers. Thank you for creating this expression love. Close

Balloon release  / Darlene Branham (wife)
Mark, my love.  It was a year ago today that we lost you. What a hard year it has been.  We gathered at the park today and had a balloon release in memory of you.  It was a beautiful day, warm and full of sunshine. There was a wonderful turn out for it.  Jere spoke a few words then we had a moment of silence.  We played the song "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion and everyone released the balloons.  We all stood and gazed at the balloons as they disappeared into the heavens while listening to the song.  There were many tears shed today.  Then Shawn spoke and thanked everyone for their love and kindness this past year.  Then we played some of your favorite songs by Don Williams while several stood around and visited about you.  We all miss you so much.  You will live on in us......forever.  Close

Mark, My friend.  / Sue Payton (Friend)
Mark was such a wonderful person.  He had a way of making you feel like you were very important.  I can honestly say that Mark was one of the best men I ever knew.  God gave Mark the compassion, caring, gentle ways, but it was his loving wife, Darlene, that allowed Mark to do so much for the brethern.  He always had brethern and family home for dinner or to visit, and there was Darlene, preparing a meal or something to eat and drink.  Darlene always had a very clean and tidy home, always ready for company.  I'm sure Darlene never knew when or who Mark was going to bring home next.  I just know that it was always a pleasure to go to Mark and Darlene's home for a visit or dinner.  I always felt welcome and loved.  I miss Mark very much, but I am so thankful that he was part of my life.  He was such a wonderful example!!
Love, Sue Close

Bless this Angel...  / Tina Dore Angel Gene Bungay
Just stopping by to send my prayers and say hello to this very special angel. Praying our Angels watch over us every moment of everyday. 

If you haven't already released a Virtual Butterfly for your Angel, please feel free to follow the link below, I have created a site to release butterflies for all our angels... 
http://hometown.aol.com/tinangene4e/ButterflyRelease.html Close

The Everlasting Light (author unknown)  / Shawn Branham (Son)
Those we love must someday pass beyond our present sight...
Must leave us and the world we know without their radiant light.

But we know that like a candle, their lovely light will shine
To brighten up another place more perfect...more devine.

And in the realm of Heaven, where they shine so warm and bright, Our loved ones live forevermore in God's eternal light.

"Dad, you're light continues to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you and love you.  You are such an example to all of us.  I love you so much and will never forget the wonderful friend, mentor and father you were to me.  I miss you and long to be with you again."  Close

In The Safety Of His Arms  / Darlene Branham (wife)
How loved I felt with your arms around me. When I was sad, your arms around me gave me such comfort. When I was frightened or felt uneasy, your arms around me made me feel so safe. When I was cold, your arms around me made me feel so warm. When I cried tears, your arms around me would wipe them away. With your arms around me I knew without a doubt that you were my soul mate. What passion I felt with the gentle touch of your arms around me. How proud it made me to have your arms around me…..proud to be Mark Branham’s wife. And don’t forget the peace I felt in your arms. How could one man have arms that could do so much? Arms that were full of love, comfort, and warmth. Arms that could make you feel so safe and that could wipe away tears. Arms that could make you feel so “as one”, a true soul mate. Arms full of passion. Arms that could make you so proud. Arms so peaceful to be in. How I long to have your arms around me. Close

Amazed / Tonya &. Harry Wilkinson (Old Okie kinfolk )
What beautiful tributes of love!  May you find comfort and healing in each one.  Our prayers are for you, Darlene and each one who has felt the loss of this beautiful life.  Even when we don't know what to pray, Romans 8:26-27 affirms that "the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered...for the saints according to the will of God."  Just think of how many lives Mark touched in his walk on earth.  Through this website, imagine how many more.  Because of your deep love, his legacy continues still.  May God give each heavy heart His perfect peace to guide you to a brighter day!  Close

Unforgettable / Marvel Brown (friend)
I would like to somehow convey a message of what Brother Mark meant to me.  He taught me not only in word but mostly in deed.  How many times I have used what he said in my own life...trying to become a "good" finder.  I wish I could express all the ways I saw him live the life of Christ.  The most common way was his unselfishness.  As I read the things written, I hesitate to say the same things but they are true.  I saw his kindness and care toward children even mine...his love toward the elderly...ANYONE who was in need, no matter WHAT the need...his ministry that he lived...his evident love for Sister Darlene...the joy of his family...the list goes on. 

I remember being a young expecting mother and having a tire blowout on my car...I could not reach my family so I called Sister Darlene to see if she could help me find them...Brother Mark was there and said he would come and help.  He was in good clothes and shoes but it did not matter to him.  He changed my tire and had me on my way in no time. 

Every time I heard him pray in meeting he would pray for Sister Darlene.  There was no doubt the love he had for her.  I recall him teaching us that sometimes we treat strangers better than those we love the most.  How that stuck with me!

Missing him sing "Alleluia" & "What Good is Life-He's All I Want, He's All I Need".

What a privelege it has been for me and my family to have been so closely connected with Brother Mark and His wonderful family.

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Miss My Friend  / Cindy Flora (Friend)
Mark,

As I sat here this morning reading all of the beautiful words in memory of you, my heart felt so heavy that you are no longer with us.  I have fought tears all morning.  I have never known such grief as the day we lost you.  But I also feel such joy when I stop to realize the great Blessing God bestowed upon me by allowing me to have you in my life as my brother in the faith and our true friend! 

I am so thankful for the time our families were able to spend together.  When we were in your home, you and Darlene made us feel as if it was our home. 

We had so many wonderful spiritual discussions and on the other hand, we shared so many laughs.  I cannot help but remember the time you and Darlene were visiting us and the four of us went to The Seasons in Nashville to celebrate mine and Ralph's anniversary.  We laughed all the way home and in later years, laughed ourselves silly everytime we talked about that dinner!

God Blessed me greatly by allowing me to spend time with you, to see the kind and caring man you were, to actually be able to feel the great love you had for our Lord.

You were such a great example of not only living the faith, but of a wonderful human being.  Your love of the Lord was so obvious not just during meeting, but every day of your life.

You are so greatly missed.  There is not one day that goes by that I don't think of you. 

Thank you, Mark, for all of the wonderful memories.  For the example you set.  For just being you!

Love & Prayers
Cindy Close

Safely Home (author unknown)  / Shawn Branham (Son)
I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still:
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's Will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth-
You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

"Dad, I love you so much and
long for the day that we can all
be together, safely home in
Heaven at last!  Until that day
please remember how much I
love you and miss you."
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Memory of Mark  / Donna/memory-of Christinaannvalle (grieving/mother)

 

May this candle burn forever in Memory of Mark.
I light this candle for him,i am a mother that has lost a daughter to suicide.I feel your pain just know, that your love one never really wanted to end his life.He wasn't even thinking in that moment,about those that he loved so dearly.All he wanted was for the pain to go away.Jesus knew it never would.He also has a plan for you.I know there are alot of what if's,why and so on.I think that away also.My daughter just left us on October 17th 2005.Just know that i will be there if you need me.Lord i pray for this precious family,the pain from loosing someone to suicide.Lord may you comfort them,give them peace,and surround them with love ones.Thank you father for hearing my prayer.
http://christinaannvalle.memory-of.com

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Sorry for your loss  / Robert McCormack (Passerby)
I do not even know you but I wanted to say how much your story touched me. I just wanted to say I was sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your memories with me. Thank you. Close

Mark, my love.  / Darlene Branham (wife)
As I read the candles and tributes that others are leaving for you.....tears stream down my face.  My love for you is still so great.  This website has given me so much comfort.  Has it taken away the grief and sadness I feel?  Absolutely not.  But it has helped to remind me of the soft, warm memories I have of our happy life together in place of that tragic ending of your life.  How could a woman love a man as deeply as I loved you?  The answer is simple.....you were easy to love.  You cherished me, therefore I respected you. Our love for one another was so deep.  I miss you more than words can tell.
I'll love you forever,
Darlene    Close

Sorry for your loss  / Diana Benitez (Passerby)
For the loss you had, words do not heal.  May the memories held deep within your heart help soothe your spirit.  With each memory, let our hearts be reminded that nothing can ever take away the beauty we have known.  For love remains a part of us forever.  Close

"Ode To A Carpenter"....by Mendy  / Darlene Branham (wife)
You wore the hands of a carpenter-
Hands calloused from hammer and nail-

Though we didn't know what lay behind them,
You wore eyes of smiles from the angels.

You gave, as Jesus gave, you spoke
Your words made complexities so simple-

Of what was hard to understand,
You had a way of making it more beautiful.

And now it's too late for anything more to be done
Because you had your cross that troubled you,

You refused to let anyone share your burden,
And we'll never know what you were going through.

You left this earth leaving your pain at the cross
And eternal Heaven through Jesus's wounds-

So you can find comfort and peace at last,
And let Jesus take care of you.
 
by Mark's neice, Mendy....6/5/05 Close