“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain, the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Mrs. Salley Melissa Branch was born July 19, 1961, to the late Glen Burbage and the late Nancy Doris
Hinson, in Charleston County, South Carolina.
She attended Middleton High School and graduated with the Class of 1979. She continued her education at the College of Charleston, graduating with the Class of 1985. She later attended The Citadel, where she earned her Master’s Degree and graduated with the Class of 1995.
Salley met and married the love of her life, Judge Willard Branch, on July 31, 1999, and to this union two beautiful daughters were born.
With her husband and daughters, they moved to Fairfax, South Carolina.
Her faith and belief in God were expressed when she united in membership at Fairfax First Baptist Church.
She was a dedicated and faithful member of her church. She sang in the choir and willingly stepped in
wherever needed to assist in other departments of the church.
Salley was full of love, life, wisdom, and laughter. During her leisure time, she enjoyed reading, going to the beach, baking, watching Clemson Tiger Football, traveling, and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, kindness, advocacy, and gentle soul.
She was an employee of the South Carolina Department of Social Services for 28 years. She most recently served as the County Director in Allendale County, South Carolina.
Salley received our Savior’s summons and succumbed to an eternal bliss on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the
The comfort of her home.
Salley’s departure has left a tremendous void in her home and the lives of her beloved husband of 27 years, Judge Willard D. Branch, of the home; (2) Daughters: Shelby (Kevontae Paul) Branch; North
Charleston, SC; Kari (Dakota Van Vlack) Branch; Neeses, SC (2) Brothers: Danny (Cathy) Burbage;
Summerville, SC; Pete Burbage; James Island, SC; (1) Sister: Suzy (Cooper) Burbage Williams;
Galivants Ferry, SC; Father – In – Law: Willard “Spec” Branch, Sr; North Charleston, SC; (3)
Nephews: Lee (Becca) Burbage, North Charleston, SC; Jesse (Jenneniah) Williams, Fairfax,
SC; Tyler Burbage; James Island, SC; (1) Niece: Victoria (Chris) Sumner; Pelion, SC; (2)
Sisters – In – Law: Dionne Conely (her son Dylan); Summerville, SC; Susie Surrell (her sons: Jay and Justin); Rockport, TX. A host of loving cousins and sympathizing friends.
“A SERVICE ABOVE SELF”
Please remember to keep the Branch Family lifted in prayer.
You may email condolences to: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com
Send flowers to the service of Mrs. Salley Branch
Becky Sharp planted 5 trees in memory of Mrs. Salley Branch . - May 24, 2026
Charles Robinson sent Beautiful Dreams for Mrs. Salley Branch - May 22, 2026
My condolences to the familty and friends of Salley Branch. May Jehovah God continue to comfort and strengthen the family during this time of bereavement. Continue to focus on the loving and cherished memories of Salley and may they help her family and friends have peace of mind. A comforting promise is stated at 2 Corinthians 1:3 "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort."
Since I met Mr.W.D. Branch and his family, you all have meant the world to me. I thank you all for allowing me to be apart of your lives. Fly High Mrs. Salley, you're going to be missed. I know you will be their guardian Angel.
Still in disbelief.... I thought attending services today would help it sink in. The world just feels a little less beautiful without you here. Blessed to have shared your friendship and love. I will treasure the memories til we meet again my friend.
Condolences to the family. May God comfort you during this time.
Sincerest condolences and prayers lifted. Sally had such a great spirit and will be greatly missed...
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 Her life spoke for her. A life of service to others. Well done good and faithful servant.
My heart goes out to Salley's family and all who loved her. I had the privilege of knowing Salley through work, but more importantly as a friend, and she was truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. She treated everyone with warmth, compassion, and genuine care, and her presence made days lighter for so many of us.
She will be deeply missed, but her kindness and the way she made people feel will continue to live on. Sending love, prayers, and my deepest condolences to her family during this incredibly difficult time. Julie Schneider
Wrapping Bubba and the girls in loving arms. Salley was such a dear, lovely person and dedicated to always doing what was best for both her family and for the folks she served at DSS. Lifting all of you up in my thoughts.
I can't believe I am sharing my memories of Salley. I was shocked when Tyler told me what happened. Salley was a truly special person and my heart breaks for Bubba, the girls, Danny, Pete and Suzy. The one thing I will remember her for is how much she loved my two boys, Justin and Tyler Burbage. They both adored Aunt Salley. I know Salley will give Justin a huge hug in Heaven from his mom and his dad. Thank you Salley for taking good care of them on earth whenever you spent weekends watching over them. You are loved and missed. 😥💔
Team Allendale County Hospital expresses its deepest sympathy for the family of Ms Salley. It has been a pleasure getting to know her during our time on the committee for Relay for Life Allendale. She will be greatly missed.
I have known Salley for most of my tenure at DSS. She will always hold a special place in my heart. She started every chat with, "Hey my friend" and ended each one with, "Thanks my friend". It is my turn to say thanks my friend for being an amazing person. I will miss you. ❤️
My thoughts and prayers are with the family may God grant you peace and comfort during this very sad time. Salley was loved my so many may she RIP 🙏🙏
I am so sorry to hear of Salley's passing. I always enjoyed our many talks during our years at DSS. She will surely be missed. May your fond memories of her bring you peace.
My condolences to the family of Mrs. Salley Branch. She was the sweetest person. Caring, kindhearted, always helpful - when you visited Allendale DSS office. She will truly be missed.
My deepest condolences to the family of Salley Branch. May you find comfort in knowing that she is now resting with the Lord.
I had the honor of attending many functions with Salley. She was always a breathe of fresh life and will be missed. My prayers are with the family.
Ms. Salley was such a positive and bright light anytime that I had the privilege of working with her on a project or connecting with her via email at DSS. Her passion for her personal and professional life was contagious. She will be truly missed. To her family, "May you find peace in the love and memories that you shared together." You will be in my family's thoughts and prayers.
Salley Branch was a kind person and a wonderful asset to the SCDSS. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Working with Salley was an absolute honor and privilege. Salley's compassion and dedication will leave a lasting positive impact on the communities she served. Sending our deepest sympathies to the Branch family.
Salley and I have worked together many years. More importantly we were friends. We shared so many thoughts and conversations of how proud we are of our kids and the joy of having them in our lives. She loved her family so much. I was blessed to have a reason to talk with her a few weeks ago. That was just a God thing giving us one last chance to express our friendship. Please take care of each other and lean on God for your strength.
Salley was such a breath of fresh air with her consistent messages of positivity. Her sweet, encouraging words were so meaningful to those around her. I'm thankful to have known her and to witness her passion and conviction for helping the children and families of this state. Rest in peace Salley and may God provide the peace and comfort that only he can give to your friends and family.
Job well down my friend! Your work and love for others showed Gods light in you. Take your rest now. Your presence and sweet smile will truly be missed. May God shower your husband and sweet girls with comforting memories during this time.
My sincere condolences to the Branch family. I remember the good times we shared at the Old Citadel Bldg (DSS) many years ago. There was never a dull moment with Willard and Sally. Rest well my friend.
I am blessed to have had Salley as a friend and colleague. Her care and compassion touched so many people in such wonderful ways. Those of us who knew her are so much better because of our time together.
The pound cakes were more than just tasty treats. They were just another example of Salley's dedication to her family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the children and families of South Carolina.
My family sends our love and prayers for peace and comfort.
Sending my sincere condolences and prayers to Salley's family. I was saddened to hear of Salley's passing. Salley was always so warm and welcoming whenever we saw each other and worked together at DSS. You will be missed.
My prayers and condolences to the Branch Family. Sorry to hear about the loss of our dear colleague and friend. Salley's bright spirit and warm smile will truly be missed by her DSS family. Over the many years, she has touched so many lives and poured so much into the children and families of SC. Take your rest, my sweet colleague and friend.
The Chaney Family extends our deepest condolences to the Branch Family. It was an honor to know such a dedicated individual and see the love she poured into the Allendale County community. Her presence will be truly missed.
My sincerest condolences to the family. I have known Salley for many years and I can't remember a time when she wasn't smiling and bubbly. She lit up a room and, although her presence on Earth will be missed, I know that she is absolutely radiant up there in Heaven. Prayers and much love and many hugs for the family.
I actually met Salley over 20 years ago. She was so kind and full of stories. Our paths crossed again in 2021 and she was still the same. I will miss her words of wisdom and her kind soul.
My sincere condolences to the Family..,,
My heart breaks for you. Salley was such a wonderful person and a great friend to me. Please know that I am holding you and your family in my thoughts.
So sorry to hear about your passing today. Growing up with you and your family is a special memory i hold near and dear to my heart. God Bless you and your family Salley, until we all meetr again.🙏🙏☮️
Words cannot express the profound sorrow I feel at hearing of the passing of Salley Branch. She worked tirelessly for the children and families of South Carolina and changed so many lives. She gave so much to everyone that knew her and made us all better for having been in her presence. She will be missed immensely by so many. Condolences to her husband, sweet daughters and family. I will miss our talks, friend. Rest easy. "Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them."
"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take him at his word. Oh to rest upon his goodness, Just to know thus says the Lord" I truly enjoyed having you work on my regional team as county director of Allendale DSS. Your passion and dedication to helping serve children and families was truly inspiring to me. I will truly miss your Pound Cake. 😊 My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time of deep sorrow. She will truly be missed by so many people. May God continue to bless you all. Enid B.McClam Retired Lowcountry Regional Director SCDSS
Your kindness towards me and your work to make the world a better place will live on in the hearts of everyone you touched. Thank you, Salley.
Though I am retired, I remember days of serving on committees and work groups with Sally. She worked tirelessly on behalf of children and always had a smile and positive words for those around her. I always felt she was undervalued at the agency, but she continued on anyway. Thank you, Sally for all of your efforts!
Though I am retired, I remember days of serving on committees and work groups with Sally. She worked tirelessly on behalf of children and always had a smile and positive words for those around her. I always felt she was undervalued at the agency, but she continued on anyway. Thank you, Sally for all of your efforts!
I was saddened to learn of Salley's passing and share my deepest condolences with her family. I had the pleasure of working with Salley over many years and appreciated her positivity and kindness. She lived a life of service and will be missed.
So sorry to hear about Salley's passing. Salley was such a sweet person, always had a smile, and words of encouragement. She will be missed. Prayers for her family during this difficult time.
Salley was always such a kind person. I hated to hear the news of her passing. I can remember her bringing pound cakes to trainings that everyone enjoyed. She will be deeply missed.
I am just heartbroken to hear the news of Sally's passing. She was such a light in this world. I feel honored to have worked with her for so many years. She will truly be missed. My condolences to her family, you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God speed my friend. I will miss our talks, your smile, and your friendship. You were a blessing to so many in this state. "Well done good and faithful servant."
To the Branch family, may you experience the peace that passes understanding, find comfort in cherished memories, and strength in the love surrounding you.
Salley's smile and warm, positive attitude brought joy into every room she entered. I am honored to have had the chance to know, work with, and learn from her. She will be so missed. My love, thoughts and prayers are with the family. With deepest sympathy, Lisa Besser
To Judge Branch and Family. May God continue to strengthen you during this difficult time.
My most sincere condolences to the family of my dear Friend and longtime colleague! Rest well my Friend until we meet again in Glory!!
We'll miss you, Salley. Thank you for being you. One of one. My condolences to the Branch Family.
My life was better for having such a dear friend. God understands the cries of our heart, even when they are too deep for words. Prayers for your comfort and peace.
Sending condolences to the family of Mrs. Branch. She was an awesome person to work alongside. Rest in everlasting peace.
God, please fill this heart with quiet courage. Help them rise each day even when the weight of grief feels unbearable.
Sending condolences to Judge Branch and family. May the Lord uplift you in your time of bereavement.
I hope that, even though your world is so dark right now, you are soon able to see some light in the memories you had with your loved one.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.