IN MEMORIAM DR. WILLIE “JACK” BRANCH JR.'67,
departed this life on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock, AR. He was 65 years old. Branch was born January 11, 1950 to Willie & Marvell Branch, the firstborn of nine children, in Dumas, AR. He was a very studious as a young man and graduated from Wolf Project High School as valedictorian Branch in 1966. He attended AM&N College (UAPB) graduating with honors in 1969. He continued his educational goals by attending Arkansas State University to complete his masters and Ed.D in 1976. He spent 42 years in the educational system in Blytheville, AR as a teacher and principal. He retired in 2011. He was a minister of the gospel for over 20 years & pastored Unity Evangelistic Ministries in Blytheville, AR.
CLAUDINE GRAYS'83
was born March 27, 1957 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Claud and Louise Grays (Gentry) Grays. After a lengthy illness, she passed away Monday, July 13, 2015. Growing up Claudine loved to dance, roller skate, shop, cook tacos, and spend time with family and friends. In 1975, Claudine graduated from Buena Vista High School. She continued her education at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration in 1983. During Claudine’s life she has held positions at Sears, Wicks, Toys R Us, and Michigan State University.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremiah Branch. Jack is survived by his wife of 46 years, Electa Branch; one son, Willie (Rita) Branch III of Moundville, AL; four grandchildren: Tiffany Branch, Willie Branch IV, VaShaun Wiggins and Jareah Branch; two great-grandchildren: Ja’Niya Branch and Takayla McClendon; his parents, Willie & Marvell Branch; seven siblings: Marvia (Thomas) Lackey of Ft. Worth, TX; Victor (LaVerne) Branch of Jackson, MS; Dr. Vye Branch-Watson of Jonesboro, AR; Kenneth (Dana) Branch of Ivanhoe, IL; Dwayne (Anita) Branch of Springfield, VA; Darrell Branch of Watson, AR; David (Geraldine) Branch of Potomac, MD. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends all around the world.
Claudine accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. There she attended Sunday school, was a member of the youth choir, and usher board. Upon relocating to Lansing, MI and later Indianapolis, IN, Claudine continued her faith journey by joining a local church. When Claudine returned to Saginaw her health failed but not her faith. Although she didn’t connect with another church, her connection to and belief in God remained. Claudine will be remembered for her smile and laughter. She was the big sister who was always protective of her younger siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memory, two sisters, Joyce Adrow and Brenda (Phillip) Holley; two brothers, Guy Grays and Daryl Grays; two nephews, Jordan Holley and Jamal Holley; one great niece, Tamara Halverson; seven aunts, Annie B. Banks, Travestine Butler, Clintontine (Robert) Fitz, Yvonne Gentry, Allean Junious, Maggie Erwin, Ida Stuckey and Virginia Grays; five uncles, Clinton (Verda) Gentry, Thomas (Cynthia) Gentry, Y.T. (Barbara) Gray, McKinley (Mary) Grays and O.D. Grays; and a host of special cousins and friends. Claudine was preceded in death by her parents, Claud and Louise Grays; a sister, Loretta Harris; and a nephew, Markel Perkins.
KEITH EDWIN WILBERT, JR., 21, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2015.
Wilbert
He touched so many lives in his precious 21 years of earthly life. Keith loved sports and played basketball and football. He was a student at UAPB. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Herman L. Mitchell, Sr. and aunt, Wivolene Mitchell. He leaves to cherish his memory to his number one fan, mom, Sheila Mitchell Wilbert; father, Keith E. Wilbert, Sr. (Kenya); sisters, Shawnta, Kia, Keilah, Kierra and Kyndall; his brother's keepers, Kelton, Nicholas, AB and Kyron; loving grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A special friend, Katara Dooley to the moon and back.
MR. ROOSEVELT LOWE, JR., 66, of Pine Bluff, passed
Monday, September 21, 2015. He was born December 5, 1948 to Roosevelt Lowe, Sr. and Mary Taggart Lowe. Roosevelt attended Pine Bluff public schools and graduated from Southeast High School in 1966. He attended AM&N College, now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Roosevelt retired from General Motors in Flint, Mich. after 32 years of service. Survivors include son, Roosevelt Lowe, III of Lilburn, Ga.; daughter, Da’Janique Brewton; brother, Pastor Alvin C. Lowe; sisters, Ora Lee Butler and Sharon Lowe all of Pine Bluff; two grandchildren and two grandchildren. 58
UAPB MAGAZINE • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Willie Branch, Jr.'69 July 7, 2015 Blytheville, AR
Frank Evans, Jr,'54 September 27, 2015 San Antonio, TX