Branka was born in Serbia the oldest of four children born to the well known family of Iliya and Luliana Marinkovich.  Branka always said that she and her siblings had a wonderful childhood, full of love and laughter.
At age of 13 Branka was enrolled at the St. Joseph Ecole Francais, a boarding school established by the French government and staffed by a French Catholic order of nuns.  Branka loved her school.  It gave her a chance to study her favorite subjects, French and Literature.
In 1939 she met and fell in love with a young captain in the Royal Yugoslovian Airforce.  They were married on September 3, 1939.  They had a large wedding with a military band providing entertainment for the family and friends.
When WW II came, like millions of other families, Branka’s family entered the war under German occupation.
In April 1941 Branka’s husband was captured by German forces and sent to a prisoner of war camp in Germany where he remained until the end of the war.
In the 1950’s Branka and her family immigrated to the US and settled in Chicago.  They became active members of the Serbian-American community.
She was employed by the South Chicago Bank and in their spare time they enjoyed flower shows, the opera and ballet performances.
After the death of her husband she moved to Texas to be near her daughter and family.  She often said the Texas felt like home.
She served as a teller at Grayson County State Bank for many years.  She was a member of the Rainbow Iris Society, the Sherman Garden Club and the Jr. Tuesday Literary Club.
Branka was gentle, petite and delicate but underneath was solid steel and fearless in the face of adversity.
She was her father’s daughter, generous with her time and money.  She was an active member of St. Paul The Apostle Orthodox Church in Denison.
Branka is survived by her daughter Dee Chapman and husband Milton of Denison.  Granddaughters Heather Wise and husband Rodney of North Carolina and Deanna Arslanlar and husband Norman of Minnesota.  Two great grandsons, Gavin and Landon Arslanlar of Minnesota.  Also, niece Debbie (Howard) Emory and nephew Zoran (Milka) Marinkovich of Chicago and many relatives and friends around the world.
Contributions in Branka’s name can be made to St. Paul The Apostle Church in Denison .