Melva Moran / Brannen

Melva Smiley Brannen, 86, died at her home on Monday, August 6, 2012, after a long illness. A native of Liberty County, Melva was born August 27, 1925, to the late Mr. and Mrs. James Hampton Smiley. She lived most of her adult life in Jesup, Georgia, before relocating to Savannah, Georgia in 2000, to be closer to her family.

She was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Jesup, where she taught Children's Sunday School in her younger years, served on numerous church committees, and was a long time member of the Berean Sunday School Class. Melva was also a long time member of the Pine Forest Country Club Ladies Golf Association, where many fun days were enjoyed and many trophies were won. In addition to her love of golf, she was an amazing cook, artist, and, most importantly, a very devoted mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Melva was predeceased by her husband, Percy A. Brannen; Percy's son, Timothy A. Brannen; her sisters, Laverne "Peggy" S. Moody and Mary "Chic" S. Gooding, and her brother, J. Harry Smiley, as well as, a nephew, Richard D. Smiley, Jr. and a niece, Janice Wright Niles.

Melva is survived by her two daughters and son-in-laws, Angela Brannen Miles and Dr. Dale A. Miles; Susan Moran Hancock and William A. Hancock, all of Savannah; her son and daughter-in-law, E. Michael Moran and Jenny Moran, of Atlanta; her seven grandchildren, Brannen C. Miles, Jenna L. Miles, Taylor M. Hancock, Leigh C. Hancock, Spencer L. Hancock, Sophie E. Moran, and Michael B. Moran. She is also survived by her sisters, J. LaTrelle Smiley, Shirley S. Mathis (Donald), Kay S. Wright (Frank), Johnnie S. Morrow (Jack), and her brother, R. Dale Smiley (Patricia), as well as, many nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Melva's life on Friday, August 10, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Jesup with Dr. Felix Haynes officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service. Burial will be private at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.

The family would like to thank her special caregivers for their devotion, led by Josephine Green and assisted by Gloria Bryant, Patricia Fuller, and Frances Gregory.