Catherine Anderson Brannen was born October 22, 1930 to Daniel David and Uvalda McCorkle Anderson and passed from this life into the eternal presence of her Lord and savior Jesus Christ on October 16, 2018.
Catherine was a member of Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church where she attended the Mary-Martha Circle and taught for many years in the Marion Agan and Ladies Fellowship Bible Study class. Catherine was a life time resident of Bulloch County. Her early years were spent growing up on a small farm near the Bulloch-Evan County line. She began her education by attending the Canoochee Elementary School. Later her father and mother bought a farm in the New Castle community and from there she attended and graduated from Nevils High School. Not only was Catherine an excellent student but she also excelled as a member of the Nevils High School ladies basketball team.
Following high school, Catherine attended Georgia Southern College for two years until her formal education was interrupted by a marriage proposal from a former high school classmate, Jack A. Brannen, who had just finished a two year degree at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The two were married on June 18, 1949. To this union were born three children, Cerie Annette Brannen McDonald, Jack Avant Brannen, Jr., and Wayne Anthony Brannen. Following the birth of her children, Catherine enrolled again in Georgia Southern College to complete her degree in elementary school education. She later taught seventh grade at Portal Elementary before joining her husband as secretary and bookkeeper for his thriving business, Southeastern Drilling Company. Catherine was also very involved in the education and many extracurricular activities of her children. Always encouraging them to use their strengths and talents to be the best they could be in whatever path they chose.
Catherine was an outstanding homemaker, cooking delicious meals for her family and friends. She often entertained church ministers and other members of her church during week meetings and other special occasions. Catherine enjoyed being part of the community where she lived and was proud to be a member of the local chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and attended meetings faithfully as long as her health allowed.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Uvalda Anderson, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rufus G. and Rosaline Bowen Brannen, her brother, Dan Anderson, Jr. and son-in-law, Francis “Buddy” McDonald.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jack A. Brannen, her daughter, Cerie B. McDonald, two sons, Jackie Brannen (Jill) and Wayne Brannen (Kim). Also surviving are five grandchildren, Ryne Brannen (Heather), Jamie Brannen (Whitney). Kaitlin Daniels (Justin), Sean Brannen (Jessica), Megan B. Tyson (Nathan), four great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Gracie Tyson, Anderson and Grady Brannen all of Statesboro, GA; sister-in-law, Judith Webb Anderson of Savannah and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beverly B. and Frank Rhodes of Lawrenceville, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members also survive.
The family would like to give special thanks to the caring staff of Ogeechee Area Hospice for the many kindnesses and excellent care they gave each day during the time Catherine was at their inpatient facility and would also like to extend a very special thank you to Edna Collins and Fran Strickland for their devoted and excellent care they gave Catherine over the past several months.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, October 18, 2018 in Hodges-Moore Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 19, 2018 in Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Randy Waters officiating.
A private interment will follow with Elder Bill Durrence officiating.
Pallbearers will be Ryne Brannen, Jamie Brannen, Sean Brannen, Justin Daniels and Nathan Tyson.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Marion Agan Sunday School Class and the Ladies Fellowship Bible Study Class.
The family request that any memorial contributions be made to The Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church, Building Fund, 4 South Zetterower Avenue, Statesboro, GA 30458, Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459 or to the charity of your choice.
Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guest book and share fond memories with the Brannen family.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
