Deloris May Showen

Deloris (Brannon) Showen, known affectionately as Peaches and Ms. Dee, passed away on October 2, 2026, at the age of 96, at her son's home in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Born on December 23, 1930, in Kanawha, West Virginia, she lived a long and purposeful life defined by faith, service, and an unwavering devotion to her community.

Deloris was a woman of many talents and boundless energy. At Spook Hollow Farm in Amma, West Virginia, she served as secretary for the West Virginia Cattle Association and showed Black Angus cattle with great pride. Her love of the outdoors extended to the Beagle Association and the showing of hunting dogs, pursuits that brought her tremendous joy. She also lent her skills to Green Valley Gardens Farms in Middle Fork, Reedy, West Virginia, where she worked in artificial horticulture.

Her clerical gifts and generous heart found a natural home in public service. As Director of the Roane County Committee on Aging, she poured herself into caring for others, and her dedication continues to show in the growth of that work today. She was renowned in equal measure for her skill in shooting competitions, her canning and cooking, her fine sewing, and her devotion as a dedicated runner.

Above all, Deloris was a devout Christian. She served as youth director at Epling Chapel and as secretary of the Good Hope Baptist Church in Reedy, West Virginia, giving herself fully to the service of young people in her community.

She is survived by her son Gerald Lee Brannon and Son-in-law Trip Showen, and daughter-in-law Kim Showen Kristic and grandchildren Kristen McGary, Chloe Brannon and Benjamin Brannon.

In keeping with her wishes for a simple and peaceful farewell, a graveside service and interment will take place at Mount Zion Community Church Cemetery on Zion Ridge, just outside of Spencer, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the youth programs of Oakwood Baptist Church in Charleston, West Virginia, or to Troop 75 at American Legion Post 116 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

In her own words:

"There has been a long, long trail, a winding 96 years or two.

Through the land of my dreams, where the nightingales sing all made by you!

There will be a long, long night of waiting, until all my dreams come true.

To walk the streets of gold, praising God and hold hands with you."

- Dee Showen