THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Thursday, December 11, 2014


Melba Groover Brannam, 92, of Palatka passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014 at the Crestwood Nursing Center in Palatka following a brief illness. She was born in Metter, GA, and grew up in New Smyrna Beach.

She was a resident of Daytona Beach from 1942 until 1954 when she moved to Bunnell. While in Bunnell she and her husband operated Brannam's Food Market from 1954 until 1972. While in the grocery business they helped many needy people. She continued to live in Bunnell until 2003, when she moved to Palatka. As one who wanted to better her community, she was instrumental in starting Meals on Wheels in Flagler County. She served on the Governor's Council on Aging under former Governor Lawton Chiles.

She served as State President of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. She was a life member of the Daytona Chapter #1 Order of the Eastern Star in Daytona Beach. In addition to serving on numerous community and statewide committees, she enjoyed fishing, crocheting and rooting for her favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves. She was active in the First Baptist Church of Bunnell for the 49 years she lived there. She was a member of the College Park Baptist Church in Palatka.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 50 years, Levi Brannam, Sr.; five brothers, Walter Groover, Charles Groover, Solomon Groover, Roland Groover and Terrell Groover; four sisters, Orita Cox, Mary Gwinner, Mildred Tingle and Martha Moore; and two sons-in-law, David Shields and Frank Maturo.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Levi, Jr. and Sybil Brannam of Olathe, CO, and James Alan and Connie Brannam of West Union, WV; two daughters and son-in-law, Nancy Maturo of Southern Shores, NC, and Mary Susan and Harold Wilson of Palatka; 11 grandchildren and spouses, Joy and Scott Hughey, Susan and Kris Toler, Lisa and Joel Clark, Gregory and Kristen Shields, Matthew and Nancy Shields, Becky Brannam, Carie Brannam, Douglas Brannam, Amanda and Derin Dopps, Ginny and Kun Kim, and Ginger Patota; 22 great grandchildren; special cousins and caregivers, Mike and Barbara Hicks of Palatka and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12th at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13th at College Park Baptist Church in Palatka. In honor and celebration of Mrs. Brannam's life, a video tribute will be shown. A committal service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Craig Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens in Flagler Beach. Chaplain Jakie Carmicle will officiate.

Memorial gifts may be sent to St. John's River Baptist Association, 707 Laurel Street, Palatka, Florida 32177.

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.