Gladys Brannum

GLADYS JEAN BRANNUM was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina to her father, Allen Hill Sr. "Pop Pop" and mother, Ola Mae Mills "Big Mama". Gladys was often called Mrs. B by her late husband, Joe L. Brannum Sr. (who preceded her in death) and affectionately known as "Mama" by family and Miss Gladys to very close friends. Gladys made her peaceful transition from this life on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. She attended grade school at Grace Lutheran where she was inspired by one of her teachers Mr. McDowell. She went on to continue her studies at Logan high in Concord, North Carolina. As a form of motivation to others, Mama would often recollect about her school days and how much she enjoyed learning — all in which she took great pleasure. Gladys was an avid advocate of education as she encouraged everyone with whom she came in to contact about the importance of going to school and learning as much as possible. Gladys was highly intellectual, a dynamic and phenomenal woman; beautiful, full of energy, had a big heart and lived by many philosophies one in particular which teaches us "we should treat others the way in which we wish to be treated". If ever you were in need of a listening ear, wise words, and warm food to fill your belly or simply a safe haven ,you knew that Miss Gladys had the solution. While it was true that Mama possessed a peaceful spirit, she also packed a mighty punch on discipline and was nonsense. You were sure to endure hours long of wise conversation about life and irrefutable advice that if applied would help you to improve as a person. To everyone who knew her, Mama gave the term classy genuine meaning with her poised posture and eloquently spoken words. Yet, she was humble and embraced a simple lifestyle. Mama was full of life, enjoyed a good time, and was a family oriented woman who treasured every moment with her children as she always spoke so highly of them and took great pride in being a wonderful grandma. One of her favorite past times was hitting the highway to visit back home in North Carolina where she was surrounded by loving family all of whom shared many memorable times together with Mama. Mama was by far a woman of virtue who defined what it meant to be astute, steadfast, unbroken, charming; a strong voice of reason, a guiding light to all who came into her path and indeed a true "Southern Bell". She was well known for being a fan of good politics and old western movies. Whatever you needed to know, Mama had the answer, she was a walking history book and could talk to anyone on just about any topic. Gladys loved her brother, Allen Hill Jr. and her late sister, Mae Ruth Hill (Aunt Sister) with all of her heart. They had an unbreakable bond that most siblings envy. Uncle Allen did what all brothers should, he took care of his sister Gladys and was there by her side until the end. Mama always spoke so proudly of her siblings and how close they were as children and into adulthood. Gladys is survived by: her children, Joe L. Brannum, Jr., Darlene Brannum-Carter, Patricia Ann Brannum, Kenneth Ray Brannum, Sr., Richard Gerald Brannum and Shawn Walter Brannum; daughters-inlaw: Dr. Gwendolyn Grant Brannum (Joe Jr.), Mary B. Brannum (Kenneth Sr.), Rev. Dr. Natasha Carter-Brannum (Shawn) and Chanel Brannum (Richard); her loving grandchildren, Gary Carter, Amber Clarke, Jasmine Clarke, Natasha A. Brannum "Tuti", Regina J. Brannum "Gigi", Kenneth R. Brannum Jr. "Kenny", Abdul H. Brannum "Douly", Malik A. Brannum "Lik Lik", Jaelyn Brannum and great-grandson Antoine Montgomery; her dear and loving big brother, Allen T. Hill Jr. "Uncle Allen"; her nephews, Allen "Tiger" Hill Ill, Jamal Hill and Malik Kenlaw. Gladys also leaves: her nieces, Deborah Hill-Clark "Debbie Jean", Lisa Hill, Quanda Hill, Dontrell Woods, Shaquan Hill and Nyshia Hammonds. Additionally, Mama's mother-inlaw, Rosie Mae Stickland "Grandma Rosie" (98) of Virginia and brothers-inlaw, Walter and Claude Strickland and a sister-in-law. Warm appreciation to Gladys' dear best friends, Elaine Mathis and Niada Carter, our extended family Pamela Teal, Barbara Smith, Debra Chappel- Clayborn and Vanessa Hannah were like daughters to her. Also, the family deeply thanks and sincerely appreciates Wanda Diggins for her willingness to help care for and comfort Mama during her time of need. To the host of other loving family, dear friends and caring neighbors of the community where she lived for well over forty years you know how much Gladys cared for each of you.

Tributes

Gladys Brannum

June 26, 1937 - June 17, 2014