Barbara Blackwell Brannon, 84, was born to the late Julia C. Blackwell and Fred A. Blackwell, Sr., who nurtured in her a love for education, family, and faith. She transitioned from this life on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 at Highpoint Health in Winchester. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Lee R. Brannon, Jr. in 1963 and together they built a home filled with love, respect, and dedication to their family.

Barbara’s early education was shaped at Townsend School, where she graduated in the Class of 1958. She furthered her education at Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her commitment to learning and service to others continued as she later achieved a Master’s degree in Sociology from Middle Tennessee State University.

Her professional journey began in North Carolina, where she served as Dean of Women at Kittrell College, guiding and mentoring young women with wisdom and compassion. Upon returning to Tennessee, she worked at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) before beginning her long career with the State of Tennessee, where she served faithfully in various roles until her retirement.

Barbara’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Berleta Brannon Giles (Paul); her devoted son, Lee Roy Brannon, III, and her “daughter-in-love,” Tonya S. Brannon. She was the proud grandmother of Stanley Xavier Burnette (affectionately known as Zach), Hannah Leigh Brannon, and Mikah Grace Brannon, who were each the light of her life.

She is also survived by her sisters, Carolyn B. Nelson and Marva G. Allgood; her brothers, Floyd R. Blackwell, Sr. and Ferris M. Blackwell, Sr.; and her sisters-in-love, Kay M. Blackwell, Vicenna  T. Blackwell, and Barbara D. Blackwell.

In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom were blessed by her love, encouragement, and grace.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Helen T. Brannon and Lon Lee Roy Brannon, Sr; brother, Rev. Fred A. Blackwell, Jr.; her sisters, Alfreida B. Morris and Rev. Gloria B. Maddox; her sister-in-law, Janette B. Blackwell; her brothers-in-law, Michael Dartis, Napoleon Nelson, and Ruben Morris, Sr.

Visitation, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Elk River Tabernacle in Winchester. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Elk River Tabernacle in Winchester beginning at 11 a.m. with Elder Eric Vanzant, officiating and her devoted son, Pastor Lee Brannon III, as eulogist. Interment will follow at Winchester Memorial Park. Online condolences may be sent to www.weltonfuneralhome.com.

J.A. Welton & Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Oct. 1, 2025