Eleanor Hipp Brasher

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, our beautiful Mom, Eleanor Ann Hipp Brasher, loving wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, slipped peacefully away into the Arms of God at the age of 86. Eleanor was born on September 5, 1938, in Birmingham, AL, to the proud parents, JT and Stella Hipp. She is survived by her two children, Karen Ann Brasher Romeo and David Phillip Brasher. Other survivors include sisters, OraMae Aitken and Jane Coshatt. She is survived by two grandchildren: Jonathan David Brasher (Meredith), Stephanie Ann Romeo, and three great grandchildren: Luke David Brasher, Kaylee Brasher and Emily Brasher. Lastly, she is survived by many nieces and nephews. Eleanor’s health deteriorated after 20 years due to Dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Eleanor was retired. Her work history reflected: Church Secretary - Fiftieth Street Baptist Church; HR - Joy Manufacturing Company; and Executive Assistant to the CEO - Hibbett Sports.

Eleanor met the love of her life, Kernal (Bill) R. Brasher, Jr., through her two brothers who were serving with Kernal, in the U.S. Army. On November 30, 1956, Eleanor Ann Hipp and Kernal were married. Eleanor states that she fell in love with Dad at first sight. In addition, Dad also asked her to marry him the first week they met. After 64 years of marriage on November 30, 2020, it was understandable that Dad would take his wallet out, whenever out in public, proudly displaying Mom’s picture stating, “look, at my beautiful bride.”

Throughout Eleanor’s life, she was devoted and very involved in her church. She loved working with young people whether in teaching Sunday school, or helping with vacation Bible school often helping those involved make things, i.e., pictures made with different colored dried beans, or perhaps a birdhouse using Readers Digest books. She drew a portraiture – using “only pencil” - of Dad, Karen and David - circa 1969! Art wasn't her only talent or love. She was a phenomenal cook, and could create or whip up an excellent tantalizing meal - fit for any mouth-watering meal, or occasion!

Eleanor and Kernal raised two children, Karen, and David. There are no words that could ever express the abounding and unconditional love within their home. Eleanor could be very comical and on occasion a big cut up. She also loved to laugh, but could be very serious when needed. Both Mom and Dad loved the Lord and loved serving Him faithfully. One of her favorite scriptures was Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She enjoyed praising God with her voice singing in the church choir at Fiftieth Street Baptist Church and Roebuck Park Baptist Church. Early in their marriage, Mom and Dad made the decision to rear Karen and David in church - making sure they knew about Jesus - sharing, enriching and helping to ensure they had a mindset about and of Christ. We were ALWAYS in church when the doors were open, and sometimes when they were not. Mom and Dad touched “many” lives and “enhanced” many others lives helping them to understand the Life of Christ.

Eleanor had several hobbies, which included, reading, drawing, sewing, cooking, music - she and Dad both loved “long hair/classical” as they called it , and singing…just to name a few. She loved yard work too and delighted in keeping a clean home – “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Additionally, she loved spending time with Dad, Karen and David, and her extended family as well. She loved the holidays and spent extra time making and preparing goodies, and ALWAYS that delicious Ambrosia! She never complained about cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or ironing because her unconditional love outweighed everything.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Kernal (Bill) R. Brasher, Jr., her father, William JT Hipp and her mother, Stella Mae Dikes Hipp. Five siblings also preceded her in death: Carolyn Lowery, Catherine Ogburn, Chalmers Hipp, James Hipp, Earnestine Whitten, and her grandson Jason A. Brasher.

Mom will be “terribly missed”, BUT we know one day...we will see her again!

“In Everything Give Thanks”

A visitation for Eleanor will be held Monday, September 16, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Ridout's Trussville Chapel, 1500 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Ridout's Forest Crest Cemetery, 5730 US-78, Birmingham, AL 35210.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Alabama - https://bit.ly/3Xs7wXi