Bertha Jean Combs Branson Riddle

Bertha Jean Combs Branson Riddle, age 90, of Titusville, Florida, formerly of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024. She was born on January 10, 1934, to Reverend Samuel Brack and Stella Mae Combs in Helen, West Virginia. 

Bertha was a pastor’s child and a coal miner’s daughter. She loved the Lord, her husband, and her children. She was a caregiver to family members, friends, and even strangers. She was the owner of Ann’s Grill in Royal Oak, Michigan. Her hobbies were homemaking, cooking, and caring for babies. She was a long-time member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. 

Bertha had four daughters, Linda (John) Garrison of Rock Hill, SC, Loretta (Guy) Derryberry of Columbia, TN, Michele (Dan) Denison of Titusville, FL, Robin (Irina) Branson of Tega Cay, SC, son, Charles V. (Pamela) Branson of Titusville, FL. She was blessed with fifteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. She has one surviving brother, Reverend Samuel (Barbara) Combs of Sandusky, MI, and sister in law, Jeannie Combs of Davison, MI. 

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, Charles D. Branson, and Kenneth Riddle, daughter, Linda Garrison, siblings, Breece Combs, Rae Deaton, Betty Jones, and Reverend James E. Combs. 

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers, Charlie Branson, Bill Winegar, Zachary Derryberry, Corey Derryberry, Wesley Derryberry, Allen Denison, and Nathan Denison. Members of Rock Springs Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, 609 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401. A funeral service will also be held on Friday at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Frank Webb officiating. Burial will follow the service at Polk Memorial Gardens, 6465 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia, TN 38401.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Aging Matter in Brevard at https://agingmattersbrevard.org/charitable-giving.