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.