Shirley Ferrell Brannan

Shirley Ferrell Brannan of Concord, NC passed away on January 17, 2024 at Hospice of Union County in Monroe, NC.
Shirley was born July 17, 1935 in Clarksdale, MS. Shirley was the daughter of Henry Otis Ferrell and Zada Lee Evans Ferrell. Raised in Greenwood, MS, Shirley was a true southern belle.

She moved to Charlotte, NC where she graduated from Central High School in 1952. She attended Queens College and worked as a secretary for Dupont. It was there that she was introduced to her future husband, Robert Bugg Brannan II (d.2011). In 1961 she had her first of three boys and began a life as a fulltime housewife, volunteer and gracious hostess. While attending to the duties of motherhood and throughout her life, Shirley was active in multiple clubs and charities in both Charlotte, NC and Concord, NC. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Concord. She was an advocate for the establishment of Meals on Wheels of Cabarrus County, was a supporter of Friends of the Library, CVAN of Cabarrus County, Salvation Army, Rose of Thanks charity as well as others.

In 2019, Shirley was awarded the honorary life membership award by the First Presbyterian Women. Shirley had a giving heart full of love and a desire to see others succeed in life. It was her belief that Education and charity were important aspects of being part of a community. Shirley’s compassion and love will be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her.

She is survived by her sister, Nita Langer of Fleetwood, NC. In addition, she leaves behind her three sons, Bob Brannan and his wife Debbie of Norwood, NC. Their two children and their spouses: Elizabeth Cross and husband, Matthew of Raleigh, NC and Major Robert Brannan and his wife Sabrina, their sons Tilden and Roland of Fort Drum, NY. Bill Brannan of Suva, Fiji and Tate Brannan and his wife Michelle of Jericho, VT and their two children David Markwell and Aldin Zbacnik. She also leaves behind 8 nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the First Presbyterian Church / Memorial Gardens in Concord, NC.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Ellen Crawford True. The family will greet friends following the service in Davis Hall.

The funeral will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchcon6869