Obituary of Octavia Noel Spears

"Sometimes it's hard to understand why some things have to be, but in His wisdom God has planned beyond our power to see." Octavia 'Tavie' Noel Branch (Spears), daughter of Linda Sims and Minor Branch III, was born on June 29, 1981 in Richmond, VA. She departed this life on February 2, 2013 in Baltimore, MD. At an early age, Octavia was baptized and joined Tearwallet Baptist Church in Cumberland County, VA where she remained faithful in her attendance and worship. She graduated from Cumberland County High School in 1999 and continued her education at Hampton University. She received her Bachelor's degree in 2003 and later achieved her Master's degree fromWalden University in 2009. She was employed by National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where she worked for many years in Fairfax County, VA. In such a short lived journey, Octavia leaves behind so many great memories. She has inspired and touched so many lives along the way through her love, strength, character and free spirit. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, fashion, shopping, writing and sharing her ideas on life. She was a dedicated mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory, two children Sanaa Cook and Michai Lyles; parents, Linda Sims and Minor Branch III; maternal grandmother, Neater Sims and paternal grandparents, Betty and Minor Branch, Jr.; brothers, Xavier Randolph (Brooke) and Reginald Dance, II; sister, Jade Randolph; aunts, Juanita Crump (Jessie), Victoria Hatcher (Douglas), Dora Hatcher; Dorothy Cosby (Garry), Sherry Sims, Jacquelyn Suiters (Craig); special cousins Ron, Erin, and Gerard Cosby; nephew, Brandon Randolph; niece, Ava Randolph; devoted friend, Elliot Llyes; and a host of cousins and loyal friends.