Will Nathaniel Branscumb

Will Nathaniel Branscumb was born on October 26, 1934, in Brinkley, Arkansas to the late Will Richard Branscumb and Nellie M. (Clark) Branscumb.  Will was called home to be with the Lord while he slept, on November 30, 2022. 

He was married to the love of his life, Dorothy (Gatlin) Branscumb, they shared together over 45 years.  To his family he was the best son, uncle, husband, dad, pops, papa, and granddad ever. He will truly be missed by his family who loved him so dearly.

Will moved to Benton Harbor at an early age, he joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Bishop W.E. Ellis and continued his membership under the late Rev. Ellis Hull Sr., the late Rev. Emery M. Varrie I. and currently Rev. Carlton Lynch. Will served faithfully in the church for over 70 years, until he was called home to be with the Lord.

Will graduated from Benton Harbor High School. He furthered his education at Lake Michigan College completing courses in electrical work. In his teen years he became an entrepreneur who succeeded in Landlord business for over sixty years.

Will Branscumb join the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and became the youngest NAACP president of the adult branch in the Benton Harbor Area to advocate how important it was to stand up, be counted, and fight for freedom, justice, and equality. He was an elected delegate for NAACP National Convention in Atlanta, GA. He was blessed with the opportunity to lodge at the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. home overnight.  He protested with Dr. King in Chicago, Illinois, Detroit, MI and marched with Dr. King from Selma to Birmingham, Alabama. He was very sad and heartbroken when he attended Dr. King’s Memorial Service.  Will attended meetings in Canada along with Rosa Parks and other dignitaries. He helped implement the naming of Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Drive in Benton Township, MI. Will served on the Civil Service Board and was a member of the Community Corrections Advisory Board and Lifetime members of the NAACP.  Will worked hard to bring about change to the world and his community, the sacrifices and accomplishments are too numerous to mention.  Some of the sacrifices includes the bombing of his home; not once, but twice due to his participation in the March on Selma, AL.  “No One Can Tell It Like Will”.  His work did not go unnoticed, he has many awards and accolades, but the greatest reward of all was when he heard the Lord say, “Well Done, you can now come home to rest from you labor”

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 45 years, Dorothy Branscumb; his five daughters, Robin Allen, Lachonda Branscumb, Lakeisha Taylor of Bento Harbor, MI, Shirlitha (Branscumb) Lawson of Kansas City, MO and Vicky Hughes of Las Vegas, Nevada; his five sons, David Eugene Branscumb of Kalamazoo, MI., Roosevelt Young of Benton Harbor, MI., Dewayne (Tonya) Branscumb of Kansas City, MO., Adrian Nathaniel Branscumb of Benton Harbor, MI., and Nicholas Will-Nathanial Branscumb of Marquette, MI;  thirty-two grandchildren; sixty great grandchildren; and ten great-great grandchildren; one sister, Mildred Linsey of Florida and one brother, Paul (Peggy) Branscumb of Peoria, Illinois and a host of niece, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Will R. and Nellie Branscumb, daughter Cheryl Hughes, sons Eddie Branscumb, Darrell Branscumb, Will Branscumb Jr. and Anthony Branscumb.

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