Myrtle Branham Gerald, 94, of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Born in Ridgeway, South Carolina, on October 9, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Tally Branham and Alice Nelson Branham. Throughout her life, she was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, regularly serving in leadership positions, as a teacher, and with the music.

Mrs. Gerald was the loving wife to Ernest Clifton Gerald; she and Mr. Gerald shared a strong marriage of devotion and support to each other from February 14, 1951, until his passing on May 13, 2020. You could often find the two strolling the yard hand in hand or sitting on the back porch watching the sunset at the end of the day. Mrs. Gerald took great pride in being a military spouse and homemaker for her family.

She graduated from Ridgeway High School and retired from the University of South Carolina, working as a manager in the Registrar's Office. Mrs. Gerald enjoyed gardening, canning, and sewing. Although, she found most joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Gerald was a strong-willed and spicy southern woman but with the kindest, most loving heart. She was funny and brought so much happiness to those around her. Mrs. Gerald will be deeply missed by many.

Survivors include her children, Phil Clifton Gerald (Pam), Lisa Gerald Moon (Dan), and Brent Clifton Gerald (Anina); 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and sister, Polly Langley. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by siblings, Lila Campbell, Sarah Galloway, Inez Malloch, Julian Branham, Marion Branham, and Jerry Branham

The Funeral Service for Mrs. Gerald will be held at 10 o'clock on Saturday, September 21st, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4440 Fort Jackson Blvd, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial will take place at 12 o'clock on Monday, September 23rd, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.