Marion R. Brannon

Marion Ruth (Maxson) Brannon was born November 17, 1925 in North Loup, Nebraska to George Stephen and Fern Barber Maxson. After a brief illness, Marion left her body at Upstate University Hospital (Syracuse, NY) and went on to sing with the heavenly choir March 28, 2011. She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Warren F. Brannon of Moravia, NY; Nancy R Norlander of Laguna Woods, CA; Larry G of Moravia, NY; Dennis J of Fayetteville, GA; Kenneth D of Mesa, AZ; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and sister-in-law Alice Maxson. Her parents and brother George S Maxson preceded Marion in death.

Marion was born and raised in Central Nebraska near the North Loup River which ran right next to the thriving popcorn capital – North Loup. Her youth was spent serving others and learning – always striving to give the best she possibly could in every endeavor. Academic accomplishments included competing in state spelling bee championships and solo voice competitions.

Marion’s work career included one year of teaching in a one-room school in Nebraska, several years of part-time employment at Cornell University to help raise the family; and a full-time career as faithful companion, mother and family coach. Above all, she embedded in each of her children the importance of faith in God and a sense of personal accountability.

She and Warren were married on June 5, 1946 and started homemaking in Nebraska; later moving to Ithaca, NY; Burns, OR; Freeville, NY with brief sabbatical stays in Madison, WI and Maidsville, WV; and finally settling in Moravia, NY. She helped her family care for the sheep farm (47 years) and took in stride the wondering child with an unfortunate lamb in his grasp appearing at the kitchen door.

Marion hosted many gatherings at the farm in Freeville for children of all ages – from elementary aged school groups to church retreat weekends. She worked tirelessly after retirement as a camp cook for several years. Many years at the family piano, enriched everyone who sang with her and listened to her music. She loved accompanying congregational singing at church gatherings and playing keyboard duets with her dear friends. In recent years, Marion continued to make new friends and corresponded with cousins, friends and grandchildren via her computer.

Proudly married to a WWII veteran, she wore her patriotic heart on her sleeve. But she will be remembered especially for her passionate faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ. In her honor, Marion’s family was at her side singing hymns together the night before and the day of her passing as though we were once again gathered around the family piano at the farm.

Her family fulfilled her wish for cremation arranged by Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY. Interment will be in North Loup, NE cemetery at a later time. A memorial service is being planned for a future date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Four Town First Aid, Main St, Moravia, NY, 13118 or to the Seventh Day Baptist Missionary Society, 19 Hillside Ave, Ashaway, RI, 02804.