Lyna Jean Branch, 84, of Ecru, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Sunshine Health Care.
Born on February 4, 1942, in Pontotoc County, Mississippi, Lyna Jean spent her life surrounded by the people and places she called home. She was retired from the Pontotoc County School System, where she devoted the last years of her working career.
Lyna Jean will be lovingly remembered for the life she lived, the memories she made, and the special place she held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. While her passing brings sadness, her family will forever treasure the precious moments shared with her. The love of a mother and grandmother leaves an imprint that time can never erase, and her memory will continue to live on through the generations of her family.
She leaves behind her children, Gerald Dillard, Paul Dillard (Tammy), Donna Deaton, Bonnie Carlisle (Gary), and Patricia Watson; her brothers, Robert Smith, Borden Smith, Jimmy Smith, Walter Smith, and Anthony Smith; and one sister, Captolia Smith, along with other family members and loved ones who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Melba Finley Smith; one daughter, Barbara Jane Dillard; one sister, Bessie Tutor; and brothers, Bud Smith, Colton Smith, Richard Smith.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Mark Tutor officiating. Burial will be in Antioch Freewill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Eli Cobb, Levi Cobb, Jimmy Smith, Robert Smith, Nathan Smith, Chris Carlisle, and Xavier Burks.
