Jean Branson

December 23, 1919 - December 6, 2020

Jean W. Branson, Ph.D., born December 23, 1919, in Louisville, KY. Died December 6, 2020, in Lexington, KY. Daughter of Major and Mrs. Don P. Branson (Alice Crawley Branson). Preceded in death by both parents, her niece, Sheila Alice Boyd, her sister, Alice Branson Boyd, and brother-in-law, Col. Paul W. Boyd. Dr. Branson attended the Ohio State University, then transferred to the University of Kentucky. She earned a B.A. in English Literature and Fine Arts, and both her MA. and Ph.D. degrees in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. She then moved to New Orleans where she was employed as a psychologist by Tulane University Medical Center. Returning to Columbus, Ohio, she worked for the State until she became Chief Psychologist at the Veterans' Administration Mental Hygiene Clinic. She was later promoted to Chief of the Psychology Service of the Columbus V.A. Outpatient Clinic. During the years she worked for the V.A., she supervised over 40 pre-Ph.D. interns, taught at Ohio State University and, after a few years, was promoted to Adjunct Professor. She also worked as a Clinical Psychology Consultant at Columbus Children's Hospital, the Methodist Children's Home and Central Ohio Mental Hygiene Clinic. After retirement from the V.A., she served as a consultant at the Bureau of Disability Determination and taught Psychology at Capitol University in Columbus. Dr. Branson was a member of Zonta International, the OSU Faculty Club, Scioto Country Club, and the Capital Club. She was a life-long member of the OSU and the University of Kentucky Alumni Associations. She was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, is listed in Who's Who in American Women, and in Outstanding Women of the 20th Century. She was recognized with the Distinguished Career Award by the University of Kentucky. Dr. Branson is survived by three nieces, Peggy Boyd Smithers, Jean Boyd Kamperman and Donna Boyd Corcoran. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, no service will be held at this time. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Salvation Army or Our Lady of Victory Church, Roxbury Road, Columbus, Ohio, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.