Carolyn B. Brannon

Carolyn B. Brannon, age 81 passed away on January 25,,2014 at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida from complications of a stroke. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister with a strong will and spirit. She was born January 6, 1933 in San Pedro, CA. She has resided in Keystone Heights, FL for the past 42 years with her husband of 59 years, Hill Brannon. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son Bobby (wife Lila), daughter Leigh (husband Forrest), granddaughter Courtney and her twin sister Marilyn Bridges. She was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Alberta Garrett, and her adopted stepfather Roy Bridges. Carolyn grew up in Stuckey, South Carolina later moving to Gainesville as a child. She graduated from P.K. Yonge Laboratory School. Following high school, she attended the University of Florida and graduated with highest honors from Florida Southern College in Lakeland with a B.S. degree in biology and world history. She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and additionally was a member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and was elected as a member of the Florida Academy of Sciences. Following graduation, she met and married her husband Hill, raising her children in Birmingham, AL for 15 years before moving back to Florida. In addition to raising her children, she was active in a number of organizations including PTA, Keystone Heights City Council, and various social organizations, serving in a variety of leadership roles. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Starke, FL. Her interests were many and varied. She was an accomplished tennis player and an ardent supporter of Gator athletics. She was an avid fan of Gator football and basketball relishing the triumphs and enduring the defeats. She was able to witness several championship seasons and enjoyed them thoroughly. She loved to travel and had an adventurous spirit. Her memorial service will be held at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 29, 2014 with Dr. Don McGarity officiating. Following the memorial service, she will be interred in Indiantown, SC at a later date. The family would like to thank everyone who offered comfort and support in her final days. Special thanks to the staff at North Florida Regional Hospital as well as Haven Hospice who made her journey home a peaceful one. Additionally, the support of Dr. Don McGarity, her pastor at First Presbyterian in Starke was invaluable. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, a contribution in her honor be made to First Presbyterian Church of Starke (912 East Call St., Starke, FL 32091).

Carolyn B. Brannon

January 6, 1933 - January 25, 2014