Mrs. Mary Equilla Odeal Wilkins Brannon was born on Nov. 1, 1937, to Vincent Wilkins, Sr. and Rosella Gadiner in Crowley, La. She departed this life on Jan. 9, 2022.

Equilla was very intelligent and was always willing to learn-no matter the cost. She attended Ross High School in Crowley, La. After graduating high school she was accepted into the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where she majored in Education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, in Education. She later attended McNeese State University where she earned a Master’s +30 and Specialist degrees. While attending USL, she met Otis Brannon. Otis and Equilla were married on June 3, 1961. They shared a life together for 60 years and had two children, Otis Brannon, Jr. and Angela Elizabeth Brannon.

Equilla taught kindergarten through second grade for 37 years – 34 of which were spent teaching first graders. She retired after the birth of the first her three grandsons was born. She lived for her grandsons. They were her pride and joy and would speak of them to anyone that would listen.

She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary where she served as a Reader, Greeter, Bearer of the Church Cross and volunteered to assist with various church activities. She was also a member of several organizations such as: the Ladies Auxillary, Gold Hat Ladies, Ladies of Distinction, 4th Degree Ladies and National Association of University Women (NAUW-Eunice Branch).

Equilla was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent (Lilly Mae) Wilkins, Sr. and Rosella Gardener; siblings Diane Bell, Vivianne Foreman, Clarice Gilpin, Fannybell Torres and Ronald Wilkins.

Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband Otis; their two children Otis and Angela Brannon; three grandsons Marlon Coleman, Jr., Lethaniel Leday, Jr. and LeDarius Vincent Otis; one brother Vincent (Juan) Wilkins, Jr.; Maryland Graham; Sheila (Robert) Rice, Carmen (Leamon) Moore and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Mausoleum under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. 

Words of comfort may be shared at www.combrefuneralhome.com.