Avanelle (Abby) Hardy Branch

Avanelle Hardy Branch (Abby)

Mrs. Avanelle Hardy Branch passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Northern Regional Hospital in Mount Airy, NC on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Avanelle (Abby) was born in Surry County, NC on September 11, 1941, to the late Monroe Hardy and Daisy Wood Hardy. She was a graduate of Dobson High School, Class of 1959. She married the late Jimmy Gray Branch of Dobson, NC in 1960. They were married 54 years before his death in 2014. They had four children – Dennis Branch (Julie), Penny Reeve (Kent), Fonda Branch and Tommy Branch (Cecania); eight grandchildren – Whitney Metcalf (Grant), Amos London (Amanda), Isaac London, Mary London, Jessica Branch, Katelyn Branch, Cora Branch, and Benjamin Branch; five great-grandchildren – Eli Metcalf, Wade Schmitt, Rhett London, Harper Metcalf, and Maeve London; sister, Brenda Garris; sisters-in-law, Linda Hardy and Lucille Duncan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins

In addition to her husband and parents, Abby was preceded in death by her brothers, Wilbur Hardy and Billy Hardy; brothers-in-law, Roger Garris, Bob Duncan, and Mario Villareal; and sister-in-law, Helen Villareal.

Abby was a member of Salem Baptist Church in Dobson, NC most of her life. She taught Preschool and Children’s Sunday School for nearly five decades. Throughout her life, she supported many church committees and programs with her time, talents, and resources.

Abby worked at Washington Mills/Tultex for 35 years performing many duties from the floor to office support. She stated she met and befriended approximately a thousand people. Everywhere she went, she ran into someone she knew. Later in her career, she was employed at and retired from Surry County Department of Social Services. She made many close friends who supported her greatly later in life.

Avanelle, as her Dobson High School Classmates knew her served until her death on the Class of 1959 Reunion Committee. This dwindling group stays in touch and continues to meet yearly. The bonds formed as a young schoolmates continue today.

Abby was known for making the best cheeseballs. She made them for weddings, showers, gifts, or just because anyone asked. It was not uncommon for her to make hundreds during each holiday season. She loved gardening, preserving food, and working in her flowers. Most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family of cousins and close friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Salem Baptist Church Sanctuary. A Celebration of Life service with Dr. David Trump will be held at 2:00 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 430 Rockford Road, Dobson NC 27017.

The family would like to give a special “Thank You” to Liberty Home Health, Liberty Home Care and Hospice, Northern Regional Skilled Nursing Center, and the Northern Regional Critical Care Unit.