With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rachel R Crittenden, a beloved member of the Orlando community. Born on January 16th, 1930, she peacefully departed on August 8th, 2024. Rachel was a lifelong Florida resident born in Kendall, Fl. to William and Emily Heckle along with her twin sister Rebecca. She was 1 of 13 siblings and they were all raised to help their family as farmers. When she was young her family moved to Orlando, and this is where she remained until her passing. She was student at Orlando High School, and this is where she met and fell in love with Eugene Branson. They were married on September 6, 1950, and had 3 boys; Donald, David and Daniel.
She and Eugene built their lives together with their boys until Eugene's passing in 1983. She and her family were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses, and she remained serving Jehovah until her passing.
Rachel being raised in a hardworking family, was not afraid to work with her hands. She loved to garden, sew, paint and craft. Her yards were always pristine gardens, and her homes filled with her art and crafts. She also loved music and loved to dance. She even took time during her retirement years to learn and compete in ballroom dancing.
Always singing, joking, laughing and telling stories is what defined her. Even though her life dealt her some hard hands, she was strong and resilient, and it showed. Everyone who knew her especially in her later years admired her strength, wit and humor. All things we will all dearly miss.
Rachel is survived by her sisters Dorthy, & Joyce, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home
Saturday, August 24, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home
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