Carolyn Lea Brannen

Carolyn Lea (Horn) Brannen, 82, died on Monday morning, November 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn spent her early years in Fort Worth, Texas alongside her five brothers and sisters, attending Polytechnic High School where she met her future husband of 48 years, Buster Duke Brannen. She was a devoted homemaker, raising two daughters and later delighted in helping with her three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

At the inspiring age of 51, Carolyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches—an accomplishment she and her family celebrated with great pride. She completed her practicum at the Women’s Shelter of East Texas and went on to work as a vocational evaluator with Goodwill Industries.

Carolyn lived in Nacogdoches for nearly 40 years before moving to Round Rock, Texas. She loved traveling by RV with her husband and family, and she had a special talent for organizing creative gatherings, always arriving with delicious dishes, festive decorations, and lively games. A passionate tennis player since high school, she continued to play well into her 70s.

Throughout her life, Carolyn cared deeply for others. In addition to raising children, she lovingly tended to her husband and sister during their illnesses. Her compassion extended to animals as well, and she rescued and cared for dogs, cats, and even a ferret. In her later years, she remained active as an enthusiastic member of the CHASCO Family YMCA, a book club organizer, and a fierce competitor in senior volleyball.

Her husband, Buster Duke Brannen, her daughter, Amber Brannen Malowitz, her sister, Jimmie Sue Wood, and her brother Stephen Michael Horn preceded her in death.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Dee Ann and Matthew Lee Carney of Pflugerville, Texas; grandchildren, Kristen and Matthew Ryan Carney and Kendall Malowitz; and her great-grandchildren. Carolyn was the oldest of six siblings and is survived by sister Jan (Claude) Kilpatrick, and brothers, TL Horn Jr. (Tommy), and Joe (Rhea) Horn.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please contribute in her name to the CHASCO Family YMCA in Round Rock, Texas.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2 pm Monday, November 24, at Sunset Memorial Park, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.