Syla A. Artis Branch, 92, of 95 Division St. was called into eternal rest on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the Hospital of St. Raphael. Born in New Haven, February 1, 1917 to the late Silas Alexander Artis and the late Isetta Baptiste Thomas Artis. Devoted wife of 63 years to the late Joseph Leroy Branch, Sr. and loving mother of Joseph Branch, Jr., Frances Walker, Linda Branch, Paulette Branch, Erwin Branch (Nellie) and foster son, Richard Knight all of New Haven. She was predeceased by her only sister, Frances Rosetta Harrison. Mrs. Branch was adored by her grandchildren Scheri Walker, lst Sgt.Raymond Walker III in Afghanistan (Araceli), Xan Walker, Dana Reid (Desmond, Sr.) (Columbus, Ohio), Sondi Branch, Kendra Payne, Myles Branch, Freddie Branch, Tanya Faison. She was cherished by her great-grandchildren, Keith Richard Walker, Cheri Walker, Thomasina Walker (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Paul Hudson, Jr., Desmond Reid, Jr. and Deja Reid (Columbus, Ohio), Carlos Vidal (Ft. Sill, Oklahoma), Brian Payne, Jr., Khalid Payne, Tyriq Long, Nathan Charles, Jasmine Long , and Samaia Brantley and her great great-grandchild, Curiah Walker. One niece, Scheherazade Harrison-Okoro (Adi)(Round Rock, Texas) and one nephew, Anthony Harrison, Jersey City, New Jersey; Brother-In-Law, Grover Boone (Ruth) of Petersburg, VA and host of other relatives and friends. Mrs. Branch, for nearly 75 years, has been well known throughout the Greater New Haven area and beyond for her distinguished prowess as an accomplished musician. She was Minister of Music at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church for 47 years. A celebration of her life will be held Friday, May 8, 2009 at 7 PM at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church 449 Newhall St., Hamden, CT 06514. Friends may call at the church from 5 – 7 PM. Interment will be on Saturday at 10 AM in Beaverdale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that gifts be made in memory of Mrs. Syla Branch to (The Neighborhood Music School Fund) at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, 70 Audobon Street, New Haven, CT 06510. Services by The Howard K. Hill Funeral Services 1287 Chapel Street New Haven. To leave a message of comfort for the Branch family, please visit www.howardkhillfuneralhome.com.