Laura (Fran) Frances Brandon

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - Laura (Fran) Frances Brandon, 83, of Moline, Illinois, formerly of Stow, Ohio, returned to the Lord on January 15, 2024.

Fran was born April 7, 1940, in Hot Springs, North Carolina, the second of three children born to Richard and Lillian Shipley (Brooks). She spent her childhood in Kingsport, Tennessee, until furthering her education at Milligan College. Fran graduated from Milligan College with a degree in Secondary Education. She was wed to her husband of 58 years, David “Dave” Terry Brandon, on July 20, 1963. Together they had one son, Richard “Rich” Mark Brandon, and one daughter, Teri Jo Connolly. Fran would teach physical education in the Stow City School District for 30 years. Fran became a favorite teacher amongst her students for her southern accent, listening ear, and wonderful sense of humor. Fran retired from teaching in the year 2000 to spend time with Dave and Rich. In her later years, she and Dave moved to Moline to spend time with their daughter and her family.

Fran was an avid reader, loved to shop with her daughter and granddaughter, participate in bridge club, play poker, and listen to country and gospel music with her grandchildren. She also loved cheering on the Cleveland Indians with Rich and Dave every summer in both winning and losing seasons. She spent many summers vacationing at Muskie Bay, Ontario, Canada, enjoying time on the beach and fishing with her family and friends.

She was an active member of First Christian Church of Stow for her entire adult life. Through her membership, she and Dave made many close friends through the church. She and Dave considered these friends extended family. Her children were baptized there and her daughter, Teri, was married to her husband, Edward there.

Fran was an active member of her community, but her true love was spending time with her family. She showed an unwavering devotion to her son, Rich, who was born with special needs. Because of the exceptional care that Fran and Dave took of Rich, he was able to lead a successful and fulfilling life.

Fran is survived by her daughter, Teri (Edward) Connolly of Milan, Illinois; grandchildren, Adrian Connolly, of Peoria, Illinois, Annalise Connolly, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Owen Connolly, of Milan, Illinois; sisters, Joan Byrd, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Phyllis Bloomer, of Kingsport, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave; parents, Richard and Lillian; son, Rich; sister-in-law, Dalene Brandon, and brother-in-law, Gordon Byrd.

Rev. Jonathan Rumburg will conduct services on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11 AM, at First Christian Church of Stow, 3493 Darrow Road, Stow 44224, where friends may call from 10 AM until service time. Burial to follow the funeral service at Silver Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Stow.