Marilyn Murphree Brannon

Marilyn (Muff) Murphree Brannon, 89, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away at home on June 10, 2025, after a brief illness brought on by the recurrence of lung cancer. Muff was born in Troy, Alabama on June 13,1935, to Edwin Porter and Willie Belle Murphree. She graduated from the University of Alabama and pursued a career in education before focusing on her true calling, the fine arts. After marrying Robert L. Brannon, she moved to Hillsdale, NJ, Vienna, VA, New Canaan, CT, Princeton, NJ, Memphis, TN, and (in1992) Atlanta, GA. Muff’s interest in the arts led to many docent positions at the Princeton University Art Museum, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the High Museum in Atlanta. She also volunteered with many other organizations, including Buckhead Christian Ministries in Atlanta. Muff was very creative and loved making her own art, including watercolor and collage. She was an excellent cook and an avid reader, most recently enjoying some of the “banned books” housed in the Canterbury Court library. Muff was the life of the party, an excellent storyteller, and so much fun to be around! She delighted in her friendships earned through the Junior League of Atlanta’s LST group, the Alabama Club of Atlanta, and the many book clubs of which she was a part. Her beautiful, deep southern accent withstood many years in the northeast - a New Englander once seriously asked her what language she was speaking. Thankfully, her mind was intact until the end. Muff was sharp as a tack and even learned to play Mahjongg at the age of 87 after moving to Canterbury Court.

Muff was predeceased by her first husband, William M. Sims, her second husband Robert L. Brannon, and her daughter Camille Brannon Livsey. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Manning (Scott) of Atlanta, and grandchildren Allison Livsey Sullivan (Dan) of Glen, NH; Philip C. Livsey (Sheryl) of Somerville, MA; Wallis Manning of San Francisco, CA and Claire Manning of New York, NY. Muff is also survived by her dear sister Elizabeth “Bitsy” Powell (Dr. James B. Powell) of Asheville, NC.

A private, family service was held on June 13th Trinity Presbyterian Church’s memorial garden. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Capstone Hospice for the tremendous love they gave to Muff. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood Southeast, Inc.; 241 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 400; Atlanta, GA 30303; or Trinity Presbyterian Church; 3003 Howell Mill Road NW; Atlanta GA 30327.