Hilda Lavaughn Brannon Evans

Hilda Lavaughn Brannon Evans, 79, passed away January 4, 2021 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Christine (Wayford) Frerichs, Irene Dockery, Daniel (Rosa) Brannon, Aline Brannon, Edward C. Brannon, Patricia Gay, Emma (David) Walker all of Coker Creek and Johnny “Sam” (Ruth) Brannon of Cleveland.

She is survived by siblings: Stanley (Ina) Brannon, Bernard (Ersa) Brannon, and Guy (Barbara) Brannon of Coker Creek; sister in law Bennie Brannon of Tellico plains; children and spouses: Barry (Andrea “Missy”) Shaw and Shannon (Derek) Nelson of Cleveland and Michelle (Ashley) Morgan of Benton; grandchildren Carly (Alex) Cain of Old Fort, Thomas B. Lillard III, Noa Shaw (Chloe) and Deborah Shaw of Cleveland, Alyson and Corbin Nelson of Hiawassee, GA; great grandchildren Jonah Cain of Old Fort and Paislee Shaw of Cleveland.

Hilda was the ninth of twelve children born to George Washington and Nellie Leming Brannon in the family home in Coker Creek. She attended Cataska Grammar School and Cleveland State Community College where she obtained her GED and completed some courses. She was retired from Bradley Memorial Hospital. She was an independent, strong woman. She had high expectations for her children, teaching them to have good work ethic, to be honest, and to help others. She sacrificed many of her own wants and needs for her children and grandchildren throughout her life. She loved fiercely and was devoted to her family. She was an exceptional cook. She was quick witted with a great sense of humor. She chose to laugh through tough times rather than cry. When she wasn’t fulfilling her role of Nana, she loved reading, card games, boat rides, pizza and Pepsi. She was of the Methodist faith.

Special thanks to the staff of North Cleveland Towers Caregivers At Home along with physicians and staff at Tennova Hospital. In addition, we would like to recognize sitters Carly Cain, Lisa Pritchett, Christie Scoggins, and Teresa Finnicum, each of whom cared for her as if she was their own family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Creative Story Project, P.O. Box 5981, Cleveland, TN 37320. This organization assists those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. For more information, visit www.creativestoryproject.com

The family will have a memorial service at 7:00pm on Tuesday January 5, 2020 at River Worship Center in Delano TN. Hilda will be laid to rest at Ironsburg Cemetery in Tellico on Wednesday at 1:00pm.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Hilda or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Evans family with these arrangements.