Mrs. Mary Nell Brannon, lovingly known by her family as “Maw Maw,” went home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 91. Throughout her long and beautiful life, she was surrounded by faith, family, laughter, kindness, and love. She was thankful for the simple blessings God gave her—the people she loved, her home, her garden, and time spent together with family. She found joy in everyday moments and had a grateful heart for the life she was given.

Maw Maw came from humble beginnings, and those early years shaped the woman she became. She knew what it meant to go without, which may be why she appreciated every blessing so deeply. She never took kindness for granted. A thoughtful gift, a visit from family, a meal shared together, or a simple act of love meant so much to her. She taught those around her that the greatest blessings in life are found in faith, family, and love.

While our hearts are broken because we will miss her deeply, we are thankful for the blessing of having shared life with such a special woman. If you knew Maw Maw, you knew what it felt like to be loved. She had a way of making every person feel like they were her favorite. She welcomed people without judgment, looked for the good in others, and gave grace freely. Whether you were family, a friend, or someone she had just met, she made you feel comfortable and cared for. She had a gentle way of making people feel like they belonged.

Maw Maw’s faith was the foundation of her life. Her relationship with Jesus Christ carried her through seasons of great joy and seasons of deep sorrow. She loved attending church and found comfort in the familiar words of old hymns that had been part of her life for so many years. Her faith was seen in the way she prayed, forgave, served, and cared for others.

Family was the greatest joy of Maw Maw’s life. She was a devoted mother who adored her children: Phillip Roberts; Steve Roberts (Kathy); Larry Brannon; Lisa Wright (Wayne) and Peggy Bryant. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Tim Brannon.

Her love extended far beyond her children. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were some of her greatest treasures. The truth is, Maw Maw never really separated them by generations. If you belonged to Maw Maw, you were one of her babies. She loved each one deeply and uniquely. She prayed for them, celebrated them, encouraged them, and loved them fiercely. She had a way of making each person feel special. Maw Maw’s grandchildren were Keegan Roberts, Lydell Roberts, Jennifer Horne (Barry), Kara Kachurak (Steven), Jesse Roberts (Taryn), Derrick Wright (Heather), Cole Brannon (Cheyenne), Megan Bryant, Paige Tedder (Hunter), and Parker Brannon. She was preceded in death by her cherished granddaughter, Clair Bryant. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Josephe Roberts, Hayley Roberts, Abbie Coffey (Hunter), Kadyn Howell, Landon Bryant, Emory Horne, Trenton Wilson, Lilly Kachurak, Lexi Kachurak, Weston Sanford, Ella Roberts, Caroline Wright, Jet Tedder, and Grady Tedder. She was further blessed with great-great-grandchildren: Christian Roberts, Jaylen Smith, and Wrenlee Peace.

One of MawMaw’s greatest joys was having her family visit. When her “children” came to see her, her whole face would light up. She loved sitting together, hearing stories, laughing, and simply being surrounded by the people she loved. And Maw Maw’s laugh was something special. It was a precious, genuine laugh that came easily and often. She found happiness in the smallest things and had a way of bringing joy into the room. The laughter of her family, a visit from someone she loved, time in her garden, and moments gathered around the table were some of the things that meant the most to her. Her home was a place where people were always welcome, and her kitchen was where she showed so much love. If you stopped by, chances were she was going to find something to cook. Homemade biscuits, cornbread, fried potatoes, greens, and so many other meals filled her kitchen over the years. Her homemade vegetable soup, carefully stored in mason jars, became a family treasure. Those jars were more than soup, they were a reminder of home, comfort, and the love she poured into caring for others.

Maw Maw also loved gardening. Whether she was tending a large garden or caring for pots of tomatoes and peppers, she found happiness in watching things grow. Even after losing much of her eyesight, she continued growing what she could because nurturing life was simply part of who she was.

Maw Maw knew deep sorrow throughout her life. She lost her mother while she was still raising young children, a loss that never left her. She later endured the heartbreaking loss of her son, Tim, and her granddaughter, Clair. She also experienced the loneliness of becoming the last surviving sibling of ten brothers and sisters. Yet, even through those losses, Maw Maw continued to love deeply, trust the Lord, and care for the people around her.

Maw Maw had a servant’s heart. Anyone who knew her knew she would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. She did not give because she had an abundance of things; she gave because she had an abundance of love. She noticed what people needed and quietly found ways to help.

She gave her time. She gave her prayers. She gave her encouragement. She gave her forgiveness. She gave her home. She gave her laughter. She gave her hugs and forehead kisses. She gave her heart. She taught us that love is found in the simple things: a warm meal, a garden planted, a birthday celebrated, a baby welcomed, a prayer whispered, a person forgiven, and a family gathered together. Though our hearts grieve, we do not grieve without hope.

Because Maw Maw placed her faith in Jesus Christ, we know she is now whole and healed, standing in the presence of the Savior she loved and trusted. We find comfort knowing she has been reunited with those she missed so dearly.

The best way we can honor MawMaw is to continue the things she taught us:

Love God. 

Love your family. 

Forgive easily. 

Show kindness. 

Pray often. 

Be grateful. 

Welcome people in. 

And make others feel loved.

Mary Brannon was a gift from God. We will miss her deeply, but we are so thankful for every moment we were blessed to share with her. Though she is no longer with us here on earth, the legacy of love and faith she leaves behind will live on for generations to come.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to Amedisys Home Health Care, SouthernCare New Beacon Hospice, and the many healthcare professionals who cared for Maw Maw with such kindness, compassion, and dignity.

The family will be accepting flowers, which may be conveniently purchased on our online store, or at any local florist.

Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

www.cherokeememorialfuneralhome.com