Carol Ann Branam

Going to the barn, morning and night, was a way of life for Carol Branam. Carol made her last trip to the barn May 1, 2025, feeding horses at the Triple Oak Farm that she led for six decades before suffering a heart episode at age 88.

A lifelong resident of Genesee County, she was born Carol Penrod in Flint and attended Bentley High School before marrying Judson Branam in 1954. Her love of horses led them to purchase a 35-acre horse farm in Grand Blanc in 1963, where they would raise their four children. The farm was also home to dozens of foster children Carol took in over the years after responding to a newspaper ad in which a mother sought a good home for her two young kids. The couple would divorce but stayed on good terms, providing love and support to 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

A dynamic wheeler dealer and tireless promoter of the Tennessee Walking Horse, she brought top bloodlines to Michigan mare owners. She sold dozens of families their first walking horses and taught generations of young riders. Her genuine interest in people and energetic approach led to many long-term friendships. She was also a devoted follower of Jesus and loved to attend services at The Rock church in Fenton.

While Carol stood just a shade over five feet tall, she never shied away from the work of training, showing and trail-riding her own horses. She also served the equine industry for decades and received lifetime achievement awards from the Michigan Horse Council and the Walking Horse Association of Michigan.

Carol never moved far from her birthplace, but she traveled widely and at a moment’s notice, usually to buy a horse, show a horse or deliver a horse to its new owner. She was a passionate fan of Michigan State University football, basketball and veterinary medicine and loved to attend events including family members’ performances and games, Willie Nelson concerts and Detroit Tigers games.

Carol always felt Friday the 13th was a lucky day for her, from the birth of her first child to financial success in the horse business. Family and friends are invited to gather at the farm to celebrate Carol’s life on Friday, June 13.

Carol was preceded in death by parents Clara and Edmund Penrod, and by sister Mary Sears. She is survived by sister Louise Rogers of Charleston, SC, daughters Judy Locke of Wynne, Ark., Clara Christensen and Janice Bennett, both of Brighton and son Judson Branam III of Ann Arbor. Ex-husband Judson II also lives in Brighton. Grandchildren include Tom MacArthur of Ann Arbor, Theresa Mitchell of South Lyon, Jill Doan of Brighton, Stephen Locke of Howell, Elizabeth Locke of Memphis, Tenn., Lindsey Taylor and LeAnn Brawner of Wynne, Ark., Ann Adams of Brighton, Audrey Urchek of Hamtramck, Brandon Locke of Plymouth and Judson Branam IV of Southfield.