Emma Braniff Obituary

BERLIN, Md. - Emma L. Braniff, 100, of Berlin, Md., died Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Atlantic General Hospital.

She was born Nov. 3, 1924 in Blandburg, and was the daughter of the late James Harrison "Harry" Letcher and Kathryn Matilda (David) Letcher.

She was a coal miner's daughter who grew up during the great depression, did her bit during World War II, and traveled our country and the world as a USAF wife. She was a mother, a grandmother (Omah), and a great grandmother. She was the mentor to many and the matriarch to members of her immediate and extended family.

Emma is survived by two sons, Byron Braniff and wife Anne of Berlin, Md., Cmdr. Gregory Braniff, USN Ret. and wife Lynda of The Villages, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Kristen Mayle (Keith), Jamie Beecham (Michael), Ashley Koca (Rob), Justin Braniff (Erika), Whitney Nye (Bob), Connor Braniff (Danielle) and Dr. Jordan Braniff (Melissa); 13 great-grandchildren and one sister.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col. James Philip Braniff USAF; daughter, Sheila Braniff; and nine brothers and sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home, 19 S. Main Street, Selbyville, DE 19975. A visitation will be held one hour before the service. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill UMC Cemetery, Glasgow at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sassycaps.org or Crystal Spring Camp Meeting Assoc., C/O Jason Bryant, 1030 N. Breezewood Rd., Breezewood, PA 15533.