It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claudia Bass Braneff, affectionately known as “Nana.” Claudia was born Oct. 3, 1931, and passed away in her home on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at the age of 93 years old. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. As a faithful charter member of Calvary Apostolic Church of Starks. She helped make peanut brittle, served dinners, and helped clean the church with her daughter, Alice, until 2017, at the age of 86. A great cook, Nana was known for her biscuits, cornbread dressing, chicken and dumplings, peach cobbler, and many other things. She loved having family get-togethers for every holiday. She could always be found sitting on the porch drinking coffee with her grandchildren, or just spending time visiting with those she loved.
She never shied away from work, and over the years she worked at several grocery stores in Starks. The Old Ristoms Store, The New Ristoms Store, and Community Grocery Store, and a grocery store which was owned by her sister-in-law, Aver Braneff. Even after these stores closed, Claudia continued to work within the church and was always a contributing member of the community.
After the loss of her beloved husband of 34 years she became a caregiver to her parents. She also started babysitting children, which is something she loved doing for many years. She never liked staying alone, which led her to becoming a sitter at night for at least seven ladies in Starks. Above all else she loved spending time with her family and friends. To others her sitting seemed like work but to her these were hours spent just the right way. There are so many people Claudia raised and cared for throughout her life, she had a hand in the life of countless people whether they were her own blood or simply a stranger. Every impact she made was entirely positive and left a long-lasting influence on those who were lucky enough to experience her love and compassion.
Claudia Braneff is survived by one sister, Lois Lestage of West Orange, Texas; her children, Arthur Braneff and wife, Sharon of Orangefield, Texas, Lucy Remedies and Mary Gillis of Starks, and Rosa Barras of Nederland, Texas; grandchildren, Tammy Clark and husband, Michael of Starks, Carl Barlow and wife Holly, Vance Barlow and Wife, Amanda, Harper “PeeWee” Gillis and wife Katie of Starks, Matt Braneff and wife, Sabrina of Bridge City, Texas, Justin Braneff and wife Brandy of Orangefield, Texas, Brandon Braneff of Port Neches, Texas, Joshua Linscomb, Dudley Linscomb and wife Bethany, Caleb Linscomb and wife, Lori of Starks; great-grandchildren, Logan, Zach, Blake and Colby Braneff; Caroline and Carleigh Braneff, Carlin, Brady, Brock and Gage Barlow, Titus Clark and wife Kaylee, Tamberly Clark, Jocelain and Georginna Gillis, Kathrynn and Caison Linscomb, Jacob, Abbie, Clayne, Jude, and Amelia Linscomb; great-great grandchildren, Zaylon Clark; and step great-grandchildren, Bret Husband, Brennon Husband and wife Maci; step great-great-grandchildren, Layla and Everleigh Husband; and many nieces and nephews.
Claudia was preceded in death by her husband, Elias Arthur Braneff Sr.; daughter, Alice Linscomb; Sons-in-law, Wayne Linscomb, Thomas Remedies and Harper Gillis; her parents, Aaron Bass and Myrtle Stanley Bass; three sisters; and five brothers.
She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
The family received friends from 5 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, and continued from 12 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at Calvary Apostolic Church, 4270 LA-12, Starks. Pastor Jeremy Shields and Rev. Kaleb Rule officiated. Interment followed at Clark Cemetery in Starks.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
