Dorothy Jean Larson “Jean” Branscom died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, April 1, 2021, in Roanoke after a long illness.
Jean was born on August 17, 1929 in Upland, Pa., to William A. Larson and Dorothy Hufman Larson. The Larsons later moved to Pulaski, where Jean attended school. She graduated from Pulaski High School and went on to Mary Washington College, Roanoke College, and Duke University School of Medicine, becoming a registered Medical Technician. Jean later continued her education by attending Hollins College, graduating in 1987 at age 58 with a BA in German and a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Jean married William J. “Bill” Branscom in March of 1951 and the couple was blessed with four children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. An excellent cook, Jean often hosted gatherings of her large family at the family home in Botetourt County. She also enjoyed reading, horseback riding, hiking with her friends, gardening, and her many dogs, cats, and other animals.
Jean was a long-time member of the Fincastle Presbyterian Church in Fincastle. She also served multiple terms on the Botetourt County Grand Jury, becoming the first woman to act as the Grand Jury’s foreperson. She was an avid traveler and, with her husband, Bill, visited 34 foreign countries and all 50 states on trips they often planned themselves. Jean was an independent spirit who lived life according to her own terms.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, in May of 2016. She is survived by her children, Dorothy Hogeland and her fiancé, Daniel Rivers; Georgia Carter and her husband, Clem; the Honorable Joel Branscom and his wife, the Honorable Ann Gardner; and the Honorable Eric Branscom and his wife, Whittney Petersen; and by her grandchildren, Matthew Forbes and his wife, Megan; Kate Andresen and her husband, Ulf; Dean Carter and his wife, Deepthi; Liza Brantley and her husband, Anthony; Grace Molumphy, Gardner Branscom, Alexander Branscom, Thea Branscom, and Bryce Branscom. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Killian and Avery Forbes, Ole and Heidi Andresen, Silas Brantley, and Kaye Carter. Jean is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Betty McCorkindale of Roanoke, and a half-sister, Neila Larson-Mann and her husband, Bob Mann, of South Carolina.
Jean’s family would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers and staff at Brookdale in Roanoke who provided such loving care to Jean.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, at Oakey’s North Chapel with the Rev. David Dickerson officiating. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakeys.com.