In Loving Memory of Suceceidia Karie Branson

Suceceidia Karie Branson, née Davenport, lovingly known to many as Sue or Karen, was born on March 22, 1956, in Lansing, Michigan, to Bernice and Theodore Davenport Sr. She was raised on Middle Street alongside her 11 siblings as the tenth child and fourth daughter. Her father worked for Fisher Body, while her mother, initially a homemaker, later became a Page for Governor William Milliken once her daughters reached school age.

Suceceidia leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved husband, Douglas Luther Branson; her two sons, Damian Karie Gregory and Molefi Branson; her daughter-in-law, Shayla Gregory; and her grandchildren, Damian Jr., Genevive, and Vivienne Gregory. She was preceded in death by: her parents and her siblings, Theodore Jr. and Chris. She is also survived by: her siblings, Bruce, Mary, Deborah, Elizabeth, Mark, Charles, Audrey, Gregory, and Lawrence, along with many extended family members and loved ones.

A Life of Achievement and Purpose

Suceceidia was an exceptional student from an early age. She graduated from Sexton High School at just 16 years old and went on to attend the University of Michigan, where she studied abroad in France and Italy. She graduated at age 20 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Suceceidia also served as a Page during her college years.

Shortly after completing her undergraduate studies, she welcomed her first son, Damian Karie Gregory, on January 21, 1977. Throughout her life, Suceceidia demonstrated an unwavering commitment to achievement, service, family, and community. In 1978, she was honored with the Outstanding Young Woman of America award. She later earned five master’s degrees from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Central Michigan University—an extraordinary testament to her lifelong love of learning and personal growth.

After a traumatic brain injury altered the course of her professional life, Suceceidia refused to allow all that she had learned to go unused. She transformed knowledge into service—continuing her own education while dedicating herself to helping others navigate legal systems, secure resources and opportunities, raise their families, pursue their ambitions, and find a way forward when they could not see one for themselves.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Michigan; Master’s in Education, University of Michigan; Master’s in Human Resources Administration, Central Michigan University; Master of Social Work, Michigan State University; Certificate in Leadership, Central Michigan University; Master’s in Health Services Administration, Central Michigan University; Certificate Public Administration, Central Michigan University; Master of Science in Administration, Central Michigan University.

Her professional career with the State of Michigan included work with Community Mental Health in the Lewis Cass Building in downtown Lansing. Her work reflected the values she carried throughout her life: a deep concern for justice, equity, opportunity, and the well-being of others. She possessed a strong and independent spirit and was never afraid to challenge convention or stand firmly for what she believed.

Family, Love, and Legacy

On July 20, 1992, Suceceidia was united in Holy Matrimony with Douglas Luther Branson. Through their marriage, she lovingly embraced her husband’s six children as her own and became an important presence in their lives.

Suceceidia also played an integral role in the operation of Mr. B’s Hair Design, where she brought her business acumen, intelligence, humor, and wit to support her husband’s entrepreneurial vision. On November 25, 1994, she and Douglas welcomed their son, Molefi Ibn-Bilal Branson.

Family was at the heart of Suceceidia’s life. Over the years, she opened both her home and her heart to numerous family members, always wanting to see those around her succeed, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. Her generosity extended far beyond words; she showed her love through her presence, guidance, support, and willingness to help others find their way.

Whether helping someone navigate the legal system, identify resources, obtain grants or funding, care for their children, or pursue a personal goal, Suceceidia had a gift for seeing possibility in people. She believed knowledge was meant to be shared and that helping another person move forward was one of the most meaningful ways to put that knowledge to use.

The Woman We Will Remember

Suceceidia had a vibrant personality and a wide range of interests. She enjoyed fashion, interior design, traveling, and watching MSNBC. Her beloved Shih Tzus were a particular source of joy, and over the years, she raised and bred many of them, giving them the same care and affection she so freely extended to the people she loved.

To know Sue was to know a woman of remarkable intellect, strength, humor, determination, and love. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, mentor, and pillar of her community. Her life was defined not only by her many accomplishments, but also by the countless people whose lives she touched along the way.

Suceceidia Karie Branson was an integral part of the Lansing community and of the lives of so many who had the privilege of knowing her. Her absence leaves a profound void, and she will be deeply, truly, and completely missed.

Her legacy lives on through her family, the lives she influenced, the knowledge she shared, the love she gave, and the many people she encouraged to thrive.