Promoted to Glory: Major Barbara Branscum

Major Barbara June Tolcher Branscum, wife of Major Richard Branscum, was promoted to glory at 5:25 am on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 in Nixa, Missouri. Barbara was born on October 14, 1947 in Covington, Virginia to Salvation Army officer parents, Roy and Violet Tolcher. She speaks of her calling at Territorial Youth Institute in 1963, describing the meeting and mentioning the service as being directed to her. 

"When they started playing and singing the song ‘Breathe Upon Me,' I heard God’s voice saying, ‘Now is the accepted time,'" she said.

In 1966, Barbara entered training and was commissioned on June 8, 1968 with the Messengers of Faith session of cadets. She and Richard married on June 29, 1970 and, together, they had two wonderful children, Christopher and Elizabeth.

Barbara served in the North & South Carolina Division at Waynesville, Lexington, Greensboro, and Reidsville. She also served in Texas (Tyler, Pasadena, Austin, Victoria, Plainview. Borger. Houston Harbor Light), Kentucky & Tennessee (Nashville North, K-T DHQ, Louisville Citadel), and Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi (Greenwood) over the course of more than 27 years of active service. The Branscums then retired from active duty, and Richard ministered to Barbara over her final years as her health declined. 

She is survived by her husband, two children, seven grandchildren, her brothers, and a loving extended family.