Birth date: May 5, 2000 Death date: Nov 28, 2025
Elissa Rene Branch, 25, of Carthage, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, November 28, 2025. Special people waiting for her were her forever love, Brody Wedgeworth, her Grandpa and Papa, among so many others. Elissa wa Read Obituary
I can’t find the words to say what a loss this is. Elissa was someone I counted on and trusted for advice, level-headedness, and a good laugh when I needed it. She really saw and understood people and was always a source of strength when her friends and family needed it most. My favorite memory with her is from a day trip we took to Longhorn Cavern together. We laughed and talked and sat listening to her country playlist together all day. Nothing happened in particular—just two old friends wandering around a state park together, being astonished by the beauty of our home state, talking about the past, and wondering about the future. It was a perfect day with a wonderful friend. I am so, so thankful to have known her. I am so thankful that I get to hold these memories of her close, even if losing her has been a nightmare I can’t wake up from. Every minute of grief that is to come while I learn to live in this weird new world will have been worth it, just for the years I knew her and the person she made me.
Have a safe trip, Liss. I love you, and I’ll see you and Brody when I get home.
Elissa befriended me when I needed a friend. I am forever grateful to her and the friendship we crafted together. She was a fun and courageous person, always sticking up for herself and always knowing her worth was as great and vast as her soul. From the small silly jokes to the serious deep conversations, Elissa was a warm and comforting presence to be around. That energy helps when Elissa would give those “tough love” talks where she would make sure you were going along the path that is the strait and narrow. That courage to know when your friends can handle that good advice, to always be the adult in the room, to be competent and level headed at all times is a otherworldly feat. Thank you for always making me feel included, for being someone I could rely on, someone I could talk to. I have been so proud of you for being someone so strong willed. You are loved and you knew it and that warms my heart. I love and miss you so much you’d find it embarrassing. And it’s a matter of fact that everyone that knows you feels the same way. Rest in peace best friend.
