Deanna (Dee) May Branstetter Wilson, of Boise, ID was called home by her Lord and Savior on July 15, 2020. Having reached the age of 87, Dee had packed a lot of living into her life. Born during the Great Depression on April 8, 1933 in Cape Fair, MO., Dee’s life was shaped by the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of those difficult times. To lighten life’s daily struggles, little “Dean” soon developed a spirited sense of humor which she exhibited frequently to the delight of family and friends. This sense of humor remained with her throughout her life.
Dee taught her four surviving daughters; Marcel Wilson Miller (William), Marla Wilson, Rita Wilson Long (Lee), and Amy Wilson Petersen (Tom) many lessons but most importantly how to live rich lives; in honor to God, with perseverance, respecting others, and making-do. She was there to encourage her daughters when they felt like giving up, help them gather the pieces of shattered dreams and hearts, be a helping hand in their homes and provide a solid touchstone from which they could launch their lives.
She had the privilege of being a constant presence in the lives of some of her grandchildren in their early years. It was these times that she had the honor of being an engaged grandmother. She truly enjoyed those opportunities.
As an avid gardener, quilter, and rock hound, Dee used these interests to supply others with baskets of produce, quilts, and beautiful treasures. Dee also loved to play Scrabble and would often play late into the night with anyone who agreed to “just one more game.”
Dee provided for her children by working various jobs as a nursing assistant, clerk, line worker at Motorola, caregiver and taxi driver. She is a member of Pierce Park Baptist Church, Boise and deeply missed her church family when she was no longer able to attend. She loved attending Sunday School, Bible study and post service coffee.
Dee is survived by eight grandchildren; Megan, Lauren, Kaitlin, Eric, Zachary, Courtney, Isaac and Elijah. She also is survived by six great grandchildren; Micah, Elias, Elizabeth, Jude, Maxon and Adelaide and 22 nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy Richard Branstetter, Eva Novella Branstetter (Austin), former husband, Cole C. Wilson, sisters Maxine Branstetter Edwards, Irene Branstetter Fischel, Bernice Branstetter Knight and brothers William Branstetter, Troy Branstetter and Coy Branstetter. She is survived by brothers Ernest Branstetter and Earl Branstetter.
Memorial services will be held at a later date due to the global pandemic. Burial will take place at Dry Creek Cemetery, Boise, ID. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations of time or money to The Alzheimer’s Association or the Child Evangelism Fellowship.