Mrs. Annie Ruth Branch Wooten

Annie Ruth Branch Wooten was born July 1, 1929, in Lumberton, NC to Lula Inman Branch and Harrison Branch who preceded her in death. She spent her life in Lumberton where she loved God and people. Her most favorite thing to do was enjoy life and tell others what to do. She called herself the “seventh child,” born in the middle. Annie Ruth had six brothers and two sisters and according to her, she had to keep them straight. Her sisters were the late Cathleen Roberts and the late Bernice McMillan, her late brothers were Charlie Frank Branch, Milton Branch, Clifton Branch, Robert Branch “Buddy,” Ellis Branch “Jim,” and Earl Knox Branch “Billy.” Annie Ruth professed Christ at an early age and began her Christian Walk at Chrysolite A.M.E. Zion Church. She and her sister Bernice attended church and shared everything growing up and continued being close to each other until Bernice left to be with the Lord on July 30, 2023. Annie Ruth graduated from Red Stone Academy in Lumberton, NC and attended A & T College, which is now North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC. She received a certificate in Agricultural Sciences. Annie Ruth met the late William Wooten “Bill” and they had two children, Betty Wooten “Pat” and the late Ricky Wooten who died at 6 months. In the 1960s Annie went back to school and took classes in nursing and got her LPN certificate. She worked as a private care nurse in homes and in well-established Nursing facilities in Fayetteville, NC in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Annie Loved socializing with her family and friends. She traveled from Fayetteville to Lumberton to see her family and her daughter, Pat, who stayed with her mother, the late Lula Branch in Lumberton. Mrs. Branch cared for all her grandchildren; she had a swinging door. Some stayed as Pat and the late Doris Thompson, and some left. No matter who was in the home, Annie Ruth made sure they had what they needed. She loved to cook and can peaches that her nephew, Curtis McMillan brought her when he drove Bernice for a visit. Annie Ruth lost her most cherished and loved only grandson on May 5, 2025, Colton M. Wooten, “Coby,” who was a Writer and Author. This loss devastated Annie. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Betty L. Wooten, EdD of Boca Raton, Florida, Alease Love of Lumberton, cousin, and nieces and nephews in various cities and states. She leaves many good friends behind, her neighbors in Fayetteville, and especially Jimmy Glover of Lumberton and Sandra Whitted of Lumberton who visited her on multiple days and times during her stay at the Carrolton of Lumberton. “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal declares the Lord!” Jer. 30:17

Mrs. Annie Ruth Branch Wooten

July 1, 1929 - February 1, 2026