Sherilyn (Austin) Brannon

Born June 21, 1943 in Atlanta, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Lafayette Austin and Mary Wood Austin. Only days after graduating from Gordon High School in 1961, Sherry married the love of her life, Marion Thomas Brannon, affectionately known as “Tommy”. They met on a blind date as young teenagers and it was truly love at first site. Sherry went on to become a “Ramblin Wreck from Georgia Tech” where she she twirled her way onto the majorette squad; but ultimately, with a nudge from her devoted husband, turned her allegiance to the rival Georgia Bulldogs, where she rarely missed a game “between the hedges” for years to come.

Sherry was devoted and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She never met a stranger and was quick to spark a conversation and turned many a casual acquaintance to a lifelong friend in short order. Sherry’s joyous and carefree nature gave her a natural connection to children and teens. She found both joy and purpose in leading the teen youth group at Austell United Methodist Church during her own young adulthood and was eventually coaxed into teaching - where she quickly became a popular substitute teacher at the local elementary and high school levels. While always cognizant to lead by example, she took great pride in being the confidante for many a wayward teen.

At 33, Sherry relocated with her family to Charlotte, NC where she quickly pivoted to focus on her own career in sales - beginning in retail and eventually working her way up to become an account representative with Armor Swift Ekrich and later at Gilbert Food Services. Sherry was a devoted Christian and was an active member of Calvary Church in Charlotte for much of her life.

Sherry was a gifted self taught musician and vocalist but rarely chose to be in the spotlight. Instead she savored making musical memories with those she cherished most - her mother, aunt, and sister when during her youth she was a member of the Sweet Adelines Choral Group in Atlanta. Later in life she most enjoyed sharing musical moments with her granddaughter - never missing a play or a piano or ballet recital.

Sherry was an avid sports enthusiast and, while she enjoyed playing both golf and tennis in her middle years, she truly loved to cheer the team to victory from the sidelines. Her passion for lifting up the underdog or anyone in need followed her throughout her life. Sherry was an adamant cheerleader of devoted friends and family. She took great pride in the accomplishments of those she loved - most of all her husband and daughter. Sherry was keenly aware of the needs of others and often found her greatest joy in giving of her love and attention. She was always there to lend an ear to those in need; yet somehow she never compromised her integrity or failed to be honest and forthright. She leaves behind a trail of devoted friends and family.

Sherry is survived by her husband of almost sixty years, Marion Thomas Brannon (Tom); her daughter, Ms. Paige Brannon Johnston and the “apple of her eye” - her granddaughter, Brannon Kenna Johnston, all of Charlotte.

She is preceded in death by her mother, father and her brother, Joseph Lafayette Austin, Jr. (Margaret), a brother-in-law, Mr. Edward Frances Leahy, III and a niece, Mrs. Kimberley Leahy Biggs. Sherry was also predeceased by her cherished in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Washington Brannon.

In addition to several treasured nieces and nephews, Sherry leaves behind one beloved sister, Mrs. Diane Austin Leahy Sykes (Dale) and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Peggy Brannon Case (Don) and Mrs. Mary Ellen Haubner (Tom), both of whom she loved like sisters.

A visitation for her Charlotte friends and family will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 5 to 8 pm at McEwen Funeral Home- Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road.

A service to celebrate Sherry’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Sandy Springs Funeral Home - Arlington Chapel, 136 Mount Vernon Highway NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Burial will follow immediately afterwards at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt. Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs GA 30328.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.