Nona Gidney

Mother Nona Mary Branch-Gidney was born into this life on Friday, September 24, 1937, in Chicago, IL. She was the second child born to Arley and Lillian Louise Branch who migrated to Chicago from Vidalia, Louisiana.

Affectionately known as “Nona Mae” to close friends and family, she began her formal education in the Chicago public schools attending Grant Elementary School. At the age of 13 and following the passing of her mother, she went to live with extended family in Vidalia. This was during segregation in the southern states which brought its own cultural challenges while she was still adjusting to life after loss. Never-the-less she persevered, she nurtured her skills in public speaking and dramatic readings, while also being active with the 4-H clubs. She participated in many conferences and 4-H fairs under the guidance of her aunts, Margaurite Wexler and Anna Branch and her school principal. During this time her Christian education was nurtured at Young’s Chapel Baptist Church. She also excelled in track and field. One of the proudest achievements that was encouraged by her aunts and uncles was that she maintained perfect attendance for all four years of high school at the Concordia Parish Training School.

After high school Nona went on to attend Grambling College of Louisiana (Now, Grambling State University) majoring in education with a concentration in special education. Having an uncle who was hearing impaired gave her a passion for those with special needs. Outside of the classroom, she was active with the Baptist Student Union and the Women’s Track Team. She also received formal dance training and was among the original members of the Modern Dance Troupe, now known as the Orchesis Dance Company.

Nona made many personal gains while living in Louisiana, but the culture of the south never truly suited her. She frequently visited Chicago as often as she could to see her older Brother. She maintained close ties with elders from her home church, and she spent many summers in the home of Deacon James and Maudine McCurrine who developed a special relationship with her aunt and uncle. A special relationship developed during her time spent in Chicago. Her big brother, Charles Branch, had a friendship with a pharmacy student who also worked at the Post Office by the name of Charles Luther Gidney. This soon began a budding courtship and prompted her return to Chicago.

On May 31, 1959, Nona and Charles were united in marriage. From this union four children were born Sonja Denise, Vivian Darlene, Margaret Diane, and Charles Dexter Gidney. The Gidney children were raised with a strong spiritual foundation, a high regard for formal education, and a commitment to serving others. On November 10, 2005, God called Deacon Charles Gidney from labor to reward. Despite this tremendous loss, Nona thrived in navigating through the tasks of managing household finances by herself. She loved this level of independence and the ability to be a blessing to her children and grandchildren, especially at Christmas and birthdays.

In 1973 Nona began working with the Chicago Board of Education. She was among the original employees on staff at the opening of Austin Middle II (now Frederick Douglass Academy). Her presence was invaluable at a time when the neighborhood was changing, and many teachers lacked classroom management skills when assigned to teach students of color. Many students recalled that this was not an issue for “Mrs. Gidney.” She was later reassigned to Dever Elementary School on the city’s north side, again at a time when the student population needed employees who could effectively handle the change in student demographics. She later worked at Carson Pirie Scott’s State Street store and was well regarded because of her friendliness and customer service. In 1985 she began working with the City of Chicago’s office of workforce development. In this role she oversaw the job placement of young people in the city’s summer jobs program. She leveraged this role as an opportunity to make sure that many of the young people from the church and community were placed in available slots. She continued this work up until 1996.

Nona accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized and attended Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church with her mother under the pastorship of Rev. S.H. Graham. She was active with the young adult choir and taught Sunday school. She also led the Brownie Troop of the Girl Scouts of America based at the church. She continued her affiliation with Greater Union following the passing of Rev. Graham and the appointment of his successor, Rev. James A. Horton. In June of 1972, Nona and the entire Gidney family were among the 44 charter members who organized Kingdom Baptist Church. As a member of Kingdom, Nona continued singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. She was also active with the missionary society and the Ministers’ and Deacons’ wives. In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the church Nona was elevated to the distinction of “Mother” in May of 2012. She remained active for as long as she could until her health began to prevent more frequent attendance.

In 2021 she relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana with her son. She attended Light of the World Christian Church under the pastorship of Rev. R. Janea Pitts Murdock. She valued her membership at Kingdom and agreed to fellowship under watch care. Although not serving in any given ministry area, she enjoyed witnessing the interaction and engagement of new members as they joined the church and occasionally took part in those welcoming sessions.

Nona possessed a quiet spirit that did not demand or seek attention. This same spirit peacefully ushered her from the mortal to the eternal in the comfort and stillness of her own bedroom on Saturday March 28, 2026 at 7:31 PM.

Continuing to celebrate her life and cherish her legacy are her children Sonja, Vivian, Margaret, and Dexter; A truly special Niece, Marsha Jackson; Granddaughter and devoted caretaker, Amanda Simone Gidney; Grandsons, Cleveland Emmanuel, Charles James, and Thomas Russell; One great granddaughter, Audrey Dominque; Sister, Ollie M. Kaufman; Sister-in-Law, Renee Branch; Brother-in-Law, Dr. Maurice Kaufman, Sr.; Nephews, Marlon Branch, David Jackson, Aaron Howard, Maurice Kaufman, Jr., Reuben Howard, Martin Kaufman, Steven Hollaway, and Herbert Henderson; Nieces, Theresa Kaufman, Karol Davis, Joyce Rose-Harris, Monique Henderson, and Carolyn Jackson; God sons, Paul Bennett, Jr. and Brandon Bennett; Special Sisters, Janie M. Horton, Nancy Green, and Bernice Cubie; “The 1937 Club,” Wydean Miller, Rev. Maudine Wordlaw, Rev. Charlene Porter, and Adrienne Thompson; Spiritual Niece, Jakara Segrest; and Great Nephew, Zion James Segrest; And a host of friends and family in the body of Christ.

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