Lenisa “Nanaboo” Gay (Ward) Branscum, age 65, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on August 7, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born July 3, 1960, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Tilmon Cecil “T.C.” and Vera Lorea (Caruthers) Ward.
Lenisa dedicated 45 years of service to the Fulton County Hospital, where she worked as a Radiology Supervisor and technician. She married the love of her life, Gary Wayne Branscum, on December 4, 1981, in Salem, Arkansas. Together they raised two sons and built a life rooted in love, faith, and devoted commitment to family and community.
A member of the Salem First Baptist Church, Lenisa’s life was marked by her unwavering support of her family and friends. Whether attending ball games to cheer on her sons and grandson, enjoying hunting, fishing, time at deer camp, or relaxing at the lake—Lenisa found joy in life’s simple pleasures and sharing them with those she loved.
She is survived by her sons, Justin Branscum and Zach Branscum, both of Salem, Arkansas; her cherished grandson, Gatlin Ward Branscum of Salem; and a bonus son, Bryan Manes (Jamie) of Mountain Home, Arkansas. She also leaves behind her sisters, Barbara Jennings of Ash Flat, Arkansas, and Judy Oliver of Salem, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Carolyn Sisney of Ash Flat, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Joyce Ward of Salem, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Raymond Branscum of Ash Flat, Arkansas; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.
Lenisa was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Wayne Branscum; parents, T.C. and Vera Ward; brother, Donald Ward; and brothers-in-law David Jennings, Mickey Oliver, and Jimmy Sisney.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the funeral home, with John Ed Welch and Jay Nelson officiating. Interment will follow in the Salem, Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Justin Branscum, Zach Branscum, Gatlin Branscum, Bryan Manes, Jamie Robbins, Josh Nelson, Kyle Ward, Austin Robbins, Buddy Nelson, Lauren Nelson, Stacey Robbins, Michelle Ward, and Karen Willett Clements. Honorary pallbearers include her lifelong friends, nephews, and, in her own words, “It is what it is”—we simply ran out of room.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.
