Barbara Phillips Brannen, age 89 of
Canton, Georgia passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025. She had been looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face and that has now come to fulfillment.
Barbara grew up in
Jacksonville, Florida where she met the love of her life, William (Bill) A. Brannen, Sr. and married him on August 24, 1957. They were married for 68 years. Her primary job was raising and taking care of their 2 children, Bill Brannen, Jr. and Lori (Brannen) Riggs. They lived in Florida until Bill was transferred to Georgia in 1971 by the Western Electric Co. They settled in
Alpharetta, GA and in later years moved to
Canton, GA.
During her life, she enjoyed different career paths with Gulf Life Insurance Co, in
Jacksonville, Florida and Tenneco Oil in Atlanta, Georgia. One of her favorite jobs was working at Metro Electric Supply with several friends from her home church of Crabapple Baptist. Her last and most favorite job was driving a school bus for the Fulton County School system. She was affectionately known as "Mrs. B." She enjoyed that job for 15 years until her retirement.
Barbara was a dedicated student of the Bible and beloved Sunday School teacher at both Crabapple Baptist and Macedonia Methodist. She had a gentle, nurturing spirit and was a committed, loving friend to many.
One of her most coveted roles was that of a dedicated wife and supporter of her Husband's choir music ministry in the numerous churches in which they served in both Florida and Georgia from the time they were married until his retirement.
She was survived by her husband until his recent passing on February 2, 2026. She is also survived by her children, Bill (Diane) Brannen, Jr.,
Canton, GA; Lori (Jeff) Riggs,
Canton, GA; grandchildren Stephen (Ashley) Brannen,
Atlanta, GA, Jacob (Anna) Riggs,
Cumming, GA and Kathryn (Keith) Haire, Wahiawa, Hawaii; and great grandchildren, Liam Riggs and Harlee Haire.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, 1:00 PM, at Restoration Church, 410 Rucker Road,
Alpharetta, GA 30004. The family will receive friends at 12:00 PM until the hour of the service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vision for Israel, PO Box 7743, Charlotte, NC 28241.
Published by The Cherokee Tribune on Feb. 10, 2026.