Bernice “Pete” Horton Branka

Bernice “Pete” Horton Branka, 84, of Macon, Georgia, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023. A visitation will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Hart’s Mortuary at the Cupola, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m., at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery.

Daughter of the late Thomas Horton and Louise McCullough Horton, Pete was born April 28, 1939, in Macon. She was a 1957 graduate of A.L. Miller High School for Girls.

After high school, Pete pursued a career that reflected her organizational skills and innate leadership. She married her sweetheart, Wally, in 1962, and together they navigated the waters of life with love and dedication. As the office manager for Willingham & Marshall Insurance Company, Pete was known for her efficiency and attention to detail. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she became the owner of Premier Flicks, a video store in Perry, Georgia, bringing joy and entertainment to the local community. Pete later contributed her expertise to the team at H&R Block before retiring and offering her time to those she loved most.

Away from work, Pete's interests showcased her enthusiastic approach to life. She was an avid bowler in the Shurlington Bowling League and found pleasure in her well-tended garden—the flowers and plants a testament to her nurturing touch. Trips to Las Vegas and Biloxi satisfied her love for gambling, while back at home, she passionately rooted for her favorite team, the Atlanta Braves.

Pete will be lovingly remembered by her nephew, Neal Kehaya, of Macon; great niece, Stephanie Johns (Dusty Davis), of Barnesville, Georgia; great nephews, Jason Turner (Summer) and Eric Turner (Dana), both of Macon; and numerous great great nieces and nephews, Karli, Hannah, Tate, Aubrie, Emma, Lane, Christian, Haleich, Sadie, Mollie, Beau, Chelsea, Kenyon, Jayden, Jayce, Kyleigh, Cassidy, Kazel, Cameron, Cassidy, Cayne, Jayce, Dakota, Lindsay, and Railey.

In addition to her parents, Pete was preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Wally” Valentine Branka; sister, Betty Kehaya; niece, Pam Turner; and aunts, Ruby McCullough and Jewel Vaughn.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.