Mercedes "Onita" Stuart Branton, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at Compere's Nursing Home in Jackson, MS. She was the wife of the late Zollie Branton. Visitation will be held at Wright and Ferguson in Clinton on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 from 9:30-11 a.m. with her funeral service to follow. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Onita, affectionately known as "Meme," was born on February 16, 1926, in Georgetown, MS, one of eight children. After marriage, doctors told her she would never be able to have children, so when she and Zollie were blessed with their only child, Linda, they were truly over the moon. Meme's daughter and her grandchildren were the joy of her life and she loved spending time with them. She was a long time member of Alta Woods Baptist Church where she had many special friends over the years.

Meme took pride in her South Jackson home. It was filled with her collection of angels and many other dainty items, most of them pink, her signature color. She was also known for her green thumb. Everything she touched grew! Her yard was beautifully kept, full of bountiful flowers and lush, green grass. She was also an unbelievable cook. She loved being in the kitchen, and spent countless hours preparing delicious meals for family and friends.

Meme lived her life serving others. After the death of her husband in 1974, she spent much of her time taking care of the sick. She did not shy away from hard work, especially in the homes of those who were chronically or terminally ill. She was a doer and lived out 1 John 3:18, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

Meme was preceded in death by her parents George R. and Nannie Louise Stuart, siblings Pauline Charping, Jennie Vee Ferguson, Nancy Giffin, Margarite Bellinger, George R. Stuart, Jr., Billy Stuart, and great granddaughter Olivia Grace Roberts. She is survived by her brother, Dale Stuart (Delores), her daughter, Linda Branton Lott (Jack), granddaughters, Andrea Roberts (Jim), Amy Hantzis (Paul), Alisha Love (Brad), Ashley Prendez (Jonathan) and six great-grandchildren.