The news started trickling through via social media yesterday and I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to believe it. Then people started tweeting me and DMing me and sending me private messages. I read the posts on Facebook, via NV Magazine, via Lipstick Alley, via the now-private video by filmmaker Andre Robert Lee simply titled “My Titi.” That video ends with a photograph of a funeral program. The dates on the program say that we lost Titi Cree Branch on December 4, 2014.
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I didn’t want to believe the rumors, but seeing that funeral program in the end of that video made my heart sink, my head hurt, and my eyes well up with tears. I went to bed, seeing a slew of Instagram homages with RIP and that date on it. I woke up to see that even though there has been no official statement, the news has been shared on Hello Beautiful, The Root, Washington Post, Ebony.com and Essence.com among other sites. BGLH wrote a really warm and respectful post. As of right now there still is no official statement from the family, when I called the business number myself this morning, I was told in no uncertain terms that a statement would come later this week. So right now all we have are tweets from the Miss Jessie’s Twitter account and from Miko Branch’s personal Twitter. Those tweets said just one word – “Titi.”
I first interviewed Titi Branch in 2007. We never managed to meet in person but communicated often throughout the years behind the scenes. What can I say about Titi from my personal knowledge? I can say that she was down to earth, honest, genuine, passionate, an incredible visionary and hard worker. A good person. She was open and friendly but still private, and I respected that about her. I can say that she believed in the power of family and she worked hard to build their brand. I can say that she truly was a leader in the natural hair space and helped to blaze a trail in the industry for many others to follow. I respect her and the Miss Jessie’s family tremendously. This is an unimaginable loss. This hurts.
I pray for Miko Branch and the rest of the family, and for everyone who worked at or with Miss Jessie’s. I absolutely hate some of the ignorant, insensitive assumptions and judgmental statements we’re seeing in comments online. Remember that this wasn’t just the beautiful, curly haired woman who you might see in magazines or on blogs – this was a real woman with a real life. Remember that depression is real, and doesn’t discriminate. Remember that everyone you encounter in life is going through SOMETHING.
This is a time for us to say a prayer for the Miss Jessie’s family, to hold them in our good thoughts and do what we can to bring about healing. This is also a time to let your friends and family and loved ones know that you love them, and a time to reach out to offer support and strength to those who are hurting, who might need help. This is an especially important time of year to spread love, because so many people we know are struggling in one way or another. This is a time for support and community and love.
I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you did for the natural hair industry and the natural hair community, Titi. RIP.
I know this was challenging to write but THANK YOU for crafting such a beautiful and heartfelt post, Rest well, Titi. Your work is legendary and will never be forgotten.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
this was so hard to write. Thank you Renae.
it’s incredibly sad.
This is a huge, terrible loss. I am still in shock. If I recall correctly, the sisters were about to release an autobiography. I had already planned on buying it, and I definitely will now. Thank you Patrice for this kind post.
Beautiful tribute, Patrice!
This is why we love you,Bella. Beautifully written. R.I.P Titit! It breaks my heart.
RIP Titi. Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
This would have been difficult to write at any time but even more so at Christmas.
Such heartfelt and kind words. Sending prays to the family, friends, and colleagues.
Thank you very much for this loving, respectful post. Thank you for all that you do.
Love and Peace Always
Thank you, sis, for writing such a beautiful, loving, and empowering piece. You are appreciated.
Hi Patrice. Thank you so much for this beautiful heartfelt post. Even though more than a month has passed, I am hurting so deeply from the loss of Titi Branch. I never knew her personally but can relate to her inner struggles as I’m sure many may. What an outstanding and memorable mark to leave on this planet with the hard work Titi and her family put into Miss Jessie’s products. I had recently received my order for Miss Jessie’s product and tried it for the first time here in Canada, only to a couple of weeks later hear the news. It was gut wrenching for me. I’m so sorry…Titi may you rest peacefully and may your family find strength and peace to somehow make it through this awful storm.
Someone, please tell those you love that suicide is not the answer. Whether active or passive, it is not the answer. Yes the pain of depression and despondency is difficult to bear, yes the wounds of life ache each time the scab is peeled. But suicide is not the answer. The greatest commandment given to man is to love. We need to show more agape love to EACH and EVERY person we meet. Smile, say a good hello, offer a seat, give a hug if you can. Love those who are hurting and let them know that you’re there for them. Let them know they’re not alone in their desperate time. Each and every one of us is valuable and some need reminders. There is help available, there is hope. LOVE!!!!!!!
To the survivors of suicide, you did nothing wrong, you were there, you reached out to give a hand. There’s nothing more to say… It’s not your fault. My heartfelt prayers for the family and friends.