Ellen Jean Brannan

Ellen Jean (Graves) Brannan, beloved wife, aunt, and friend, passed away on October 31, 2025, with her husband by her side. She was 77 years old. Born on November 16, 1947 in Cheverly, MD, to the late Benjamin Bailey and Helen Gertrude (Clatterbuck) Graves, Ellen was the third of five daughters. She graduated from Bladensburg High School, Bladensburg, MD, in 1965. She married Lawrence Joseph Brannan on June 21, 1969, in Cheverly, MD. Ellen and Larry enjoyed traveling together, near and far, and often included sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews in their adventures. They traveled often, coast to coast in the US and across the pond to England. Larry’s extensive knowledge of history added flavor to every trip. They both especially enjoyed visiting historic sights and trains and Ellen enjoyed collecting Christmas ornaments at every stop, resulting in a tree that kept her nieces and nephews in awe each Christmas. As long as she was able, she faithfully attended Fellowship Church in White Plains, Maryland, and was proud to be a member of the choir. Additionally, she was a K-5 aide and worked with children in After Care at Southern Maryland Christian Academy. Ellen loved teaching children about the love of God through word and song, but sometimes in frustration slipped out the occasional “fiddle sticks.” She made every child feel the love she sincerely felt for each one, giving never ending hugs and care, and always offering words of affection and encouragement to all. Ellen always had a song or a Bible verse in her heart, ready to share with others or just to quietly worship by herself in her living room or wherever she was. She had a very close relationship with God and was truly a prayer warrior. If anyone had a need for prayer, Ellen was quick to take the matter to her heavenly Father. If she woke in the night, she often felt that someone needed prayer, so she would sit up in bed and pray. Her family and friends will forever be thankful for her intercession and the encouragement she gave. Ellen never met a stranger, only friends who she hadn’t made yet. She was faithful to call on birthdays, starting every conversation with the Happy Birthday song. Her love for people was boundless, and she had a smile for everyone and was an encourager. Every day, she looked for reasons to smile and ways to make others smile as well. Her faith in God was the foundation of her life. She lived it through kindness, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of others. She was a prayer warrior, a confidante, and a guiding light to her family and friends. Ellen faced the challenges of Muscular Distrophy and other chronic health issues with grace, and even as her mobility decreased, her gentle spirit and loving heart continued to shine through. Larry faithfully supported and cared for her throughout her lifetime of health challenges and is also an inspiration to the family. She was cherished by all who knew her and will be remembered for her kind smile, her unwavering faith, and her servant’s heart. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her legacy of love and faith will never be forgotten. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Brannan, and sisters Mary Claire Strachan and Jessie Marie (Bob) Booth, nieces Angie (Mike) Centrella, Jennifer (John) Crouch, Julie Haller, Kimberly (Mitch) Strachan, Amy (Russ) DeNigris, nephews Tony Backus and Ben Booth, and a host of great nieces, great nephews, and friends who all miss her dearly. She is now reunited in heaven with her parents, her sisters and brothers-in-law Martha Louise and Charles “Gus” Backus and Linda Lee and Jim Woodward, nephew Warren Woodward and brother-in-law Douglas Strachan. A going home service will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Raymond Funeral Home, La Plata, MD. Visitation will begin at 1:30 with a service following at 2:30, Pastor Marvin Harris officiating. In honor of Ellen, we ask that you bring a story and a smile to share with the family and friends who will honor her.

Ellen Jean Brannan

November 16, 1947 - October 31, 2025