Theresa Branscom, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, May 17th, 2026. Theresa was born on November 8, 1968, in Peoria, Illinois, to Carl and Saundra (Robinson) Davis. Her family often remembered that the day she was born brought both a small earthquake and a snowstorm, a beginning as memorable and spirited as Theresa herself.
Theresa spent her earliest days in Princeton, Illinois, before her family purchased their farm and moved to the house on the hill above Worthington, where she spent most of her childhood. She attended Putnam County School District and enjoyed playing softball, spending time outdoors, and hand fishing with her dad, memories she carried fondly throughout her life.
Theresa studied at Indian Hills Community College to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She enjoyed working at the Putnam County Hospital and for the local Home Health program.
Theresa met the love of her life, Kenny Branscom, at a picnic held at the very home where they would later raise their family together. After dating for a year, the two were engaged and married in 1989, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion. Together, Theresa and Kenny raised their two daughters, Traci and Casaundra.
Theresa found joy in life’s simple moments with her family. She loved swimming, camping, and mushroom hunting and cherished the time spent together making memories outdoors. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who deeply loved her family and held a strong desire to remain present in their lives, even through years of serious illness and suffering.
After significant medical complications following her cancer treatment, Theresa’s health and cognition changed, but her attachment to her family and her will to live remained evident. She continued to show up in the ways she was able, and her presence remained meaningful to those who loved her. She will be remembered for her strength, her persistence, and her enduring love for her children, grandchildren, and family. Her family finds comfort in believing she is now whole again, at peace, and running freely in Heaven.
Theresa is survived by her husband Kenny Branscom, daughter, Casaundra Bowen and husband Ben Bowen, and daughter Traci Branscom. Theresa is also survived by half sisters Lisa Van Velzer and Leann Blankenship. Nephews Carl Davis and Colt Brown. Theresa’s surviving grandchildren are Carlee and Bentlee Bowen.
Theresa is proceeded in death by her parents, sister Carleena Brown and half brother, Joe Cullum.
Theresa’s love for her family was unwavering, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the Worthington Baptist Church at 2pm. Casady-Luscan Funeral Solutions of Green Castle, MO is honored to care for and minister to the family at this time
