Martha Joann Branson

Martha Joann Branson, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022, at her home.

She was born November 19, 1936, in Shelby County the daughter of Lloyd D. and Edith (Nichols) Tucker.  On March 16, 1957, she married her husband of 65 years, William R. “Bill” Branson, and he survives.

In addition to Bill, Martha is survived by her grandchildren, Crystal Thomas and Jacob Tillison; and great-grandson, London Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Larry D. Tucker.

Martha was the valedictorian of the 1954 graduating class of Arlington High School.

She was a member of the Bengal Christian Church, where she served on the Ladies Aid Committee.

Martha retired from the Shelby County Circuit Court in 1999, where she was the first female bailiff, serving for 30 years.  She was also formerly at legal secretary for Judge Emmert and Jim Robison.  Martha also worked for a soil conservation service in Indianapolis in her early years.

Other groups that Martha was a member of include Indiana Federation of Business and Professional Women, Legal Secretaries, Charter member of Shelbyville Firefighters Auxiliary and the Block Party Quilt Club.  Martha also served as the State President of the Indiana Firefighters Association in 1965 and 1966.

Martha loved to make people laugh and lived by the motto: “The Best is Yet to Come!” 

She also loved desserts.

Visitation will be from 10 am to noon, Friday, July 22, 2022,  at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Funeral services will be noon Friday, at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Martha’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.