Mrs. Mary Equilla Odeal Wilkins Brannon was born on November 1, 1937 to Vincent Wilkins, Sr. and
Rosella Gadiner in Crowley, Louisiana. She departed this life on January 9, 2022.

Equilla was very intelligent and was always willing to learn-no matter the cost. She attended Ross High
School in Crowley, Louisiana. After graduating high school she was accepted into the University of
Southwestern Louisiana, where she majored in Education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, in
Education. She later attended McNeese State University where she earned a Master's +30 and Specialist
degrees.

While attending USL, she met Otis Brannon. Otis and Equilla were married on June 3, 1961. They
shared a life together for 60 years and had two children, Otis Brannon, Jr. and Angela Elizabeth Brannon.

Equilla taught kindergarten through second grade for 37 years-34 of which were spent teaching first
graders. She retired after the birth of the first her three grandsons was born. She lived for her grandsons.
They were her pride and joy and would speak of them to anyone that would listen.

She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary where she served as a Reader, Greeter, Bearer of the
Church Cross and volunteered to assist with various church activities. She was also a member of several
organizations such as: the Ladies Auxillary, Gold Hat Ladies, Ladies of Distinction, 4
th Degree Ladies and National Association of University Women (NAUW-Eunice Branch).

Equilla was preceded in death by her parents Vincent (Lilly Mae) Wilkins, Sr. and Rosella Gardener;
siblings Diane Bell, Vivianne Foreman, Clarice Gilpin, Fannybell Torres and Ronald Wilkins.

Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband Otis; their two children Otis and Angela Brannon;
three grandsons Marlon Coleman, Jr., Lethaniel Leday, Jr. and LeDarius Vincent Otis; one brother
Vincent (Juan) Wilkins, Jr.; Maryland Graham; Sheila (Robert) Rice, Carmen (Leamon) Moore and a host
of relatives and friends.