Lynette Carol Brannon

With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Lynette Brannon. She left us Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the age of 78. Lynette was a beloved family member, daughter, friend, cousin, and niece. She was treasured for her warm and friendly personality, her care for others, her faith, and her commitment to making a difference in the world.

Born on June 10, 1947, in Bastrop, Texas, Lynette was the only child of a cattle rancher and his beloved wife, both now deceased. She graduated from Bastrop High School before going on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Texas in Austin, and her Master of Arts at Boston University, Massachusetts.

Her deep Texas roots remained with her. She loved Texas barbeque, Mexican food and Sunday dinner with friends. She loved rodeos, auctions, and football. She loved cows, especially Bevo, dogs especially Reveille, and cats especially the ones she left behind. Her daddy raised grass-fed beef before grass-fed beef was a thing and Lynette made sure to eat grass-fed beef all her life. She owned a horse for decades, taking care of her beloved Strider until he passed peacefully in his pasture. Lynette was an outstanding rider; ironically Not Western. But English.

Lynette was a true Texas storyteller, from a family of storytellers. She always had an interesting or funny story to tell for every occasion. Her stories made people smile and laugh, always helping everyone feel comfortable. Professionally, she was a Trager specialist using a form of body work developed by Milton Trager to help and heal her clients. She had magic hands! Being on her table was a true healing delight. Her gentle spirit, warmth and creativity made her invaluable as activities developer and caregiver at Arden Courts Memory Care and Brookdale Assisted Living where she worked with Memory Care residents.

She had wide-ranging interests and always had a project. She adopted/rescued greyhounds who were retired from racetrack work. She sponsored the Austin Police Department Mounted Patrols and bought them a horse. She sponsored the Austin Police Department Canine unit and organized fund-raising events, donating the funds to purchase protective Kevlar jackets for the dogs.

One of her last projects was early childhood education and the non-profit Max Rhymes Foundation where her work earned her formal recognition as their “Texas Ambassador.” Max Rhymes Foundation writes and publishes children’s books that promote literacy and values, along with manuals for teachers and parents. The Foundation adopts schools and provides books and manuals for them at no charge. Upon her death. the foundation honored her with the following statement, “’Books in Tiny Little Hands’. In memoriam of Lynette Brannon of Austin, who was instrumental in bringing the Max Rhymes program into schools across Texas. Her legacy endures far beyond her physical presence. Thank you for all you did for the children of Texas and the Max Rhythms Foundation. June 12, 1947, to January 24, 2026.”

Lynette was a loyal member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, always faithful in attendance. Her favorite event was the yearly Blessing of the Pets. Every year the church celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. On the Sunday closest to October four, the saint’s birthday, members of the church bring their dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, horses, etc. to church for outdoor worship, and hands-on blessings by the priests. Lynette was always there with her dog and/or cats! During the pandemic, she never missed a Sunday of online Bible Study and Worship. When her health no longer allowed her to attend services in person, she continued faithful in the church’s online presence.

Lynette was committed to a life of purpose. One of her favorite quotations was the University of Texas slogan and motto, “What starts here changes the world.” With it as her guide, she lived life fully and generously. May we all be inspired by her example.

Lynette is survived by numerous friends who loved her like family, as well as her cousin, Jack Brannon, and his husband, Brian Miller. A special word of appreciation goes out to the staff of Seton Main Hospital and Dr. Mandeep S. Mangat; and to doctors Ashanti Dunmeyer, and Anish Raman for their compassionate care of Lynette to the end, always anticipating her needs and comfort. We appreciate you and what you do!

The funeral service, interment, and reception will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 1:30 PM Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd 3201 Windsor Road, Austin Texas 78703

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations in Lynette’s honor to Max Rhymes Foundation:

https://support.maxrhymesfoundation.org/campaign/575321/donate