Bishop Dr. Gilbert Warren Branch

Dr. Bishop Gilbert Warren Branch was born In Algoma, West Virginia, Thursday, July 23, 1937, to the late Eugene and Anna Johnson Branch. He was the third of four boys and graduated from Elkhorn high school. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served eight years with pride in the 11th, 82nd and 101st Airborne as a Paratrooper. Sometime thereafter, he moved to Washington, DC. where he met his wife Delores Catherine Cheek while employed by the United States Postal Service. At this time, he served as the President of a social club called the Boarnages or Sons of Thunder. This is where he met many famous musical artists such as James Brown and Tina Turner.

Gilbert in 1968 married the love of his life that was officiated by the late Apostle Smallwood E. Williams, the founder of Bible Way Churches Worldwide. Apostle Williams did this as a favor of one of his members, the late Mother Betty Lane. To this union one child was born Marquita MaryLynn Branch. He served under the leadership of the late Bishop Arthur L. Pressley, pastor of Little Rock Bible Way Church, Washington DC. He faithfully served on the usher board, all choirs and was ordained as a Deacon.

Gilbert was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost in 1979 after moving to Siler City, North Carolina. In 1983 he established Little Rock Bible Way#2 church with eight founding members.  Bishop was always eager to preach the gospel with passion and tenacity. He wanted every man, woman boy and girl to know that there is only one way and that is through Jesus Christ. His proclamation was Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Many were baptized and received the Holy Ghost because of his stand, even if they didn't physically join the church. His influence reached all walks of life. People enjoyed sitting under his teaching, receiving knowledge / wisdom and growing in the Lord.

Gilbert would break the word down that even children could understand. One of his favorite scriptures was II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” One of his most loved sermons was "Whoop That Bully" (which was based on a life experience of learning not to be afraid of your enemy and taking a stand for what is right).

Gilbert served under the late Bishop AC Jackson in the combined North Carolina & South Carolina diocese of the Bible Way Churches Worldwide and later under the late Bishop George Pettice and late Bishop James Dixon in the North Carolina diocese. In 2005, he was consecrated to the office of Bishop and served happily under the leadership of Chief Apostle Huie L. Rogers as Sergeant-Of-Arms. After the transitioning of Bishop George Pettice, Bishop Branch was appointed as Diocesan of the North Carolina diocese. Never afraid to speak or express his ideas, he yet remained faithful in servanthood to his leaders.

Gilbert served on the General and Executive boards of Bishops in the Bible Way Churches Worldwide. He has always been a voice in his community to stand as an advocate for others. He served on the board of Joint Orange Chatham Community Action Agency with is a nonprofit that helps financially disadvantage seniors.

Gilbert served as a judge in Chatham County for the Democratic Party. He was a faculty member for the Word of Life School of Ministry where he was later blessed with an Honorary Doctor of Bible and Theology Degree. He was very sociable, never met a stranger, always smiling and ready to encourage. He was always willing to give than to receive. Bishop was a retired correctional officer of the North Carolina Department of Prisons. He was military to the core and ran a tight ship! His hobbies were watching Westerns, going fishing, feeding the neighborhood stray animals, cooking for people and popping popcorn late at night.  After much prayer and dialogue with the Lord in his secret closet during 2021, he presented the ministry over to his only daughter Marquita M. Cross.

Bishop's legacy continues to reach the lost by proclaiming Jesus as Lord!

He leaves to cherish his memory of almost fifty-five years, Mother Delores C. Branch of the home; his daughter, Marquita M. Cross (Tyrone) of Raleigh, North Carolina; One brother, Clinton W. Branch (Barbara) of Lawton, Oklahoma and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, spiritual son / daughters and friends. 

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