HOWELL FRANCES (FRAN) BRANDON died peacefully on February 26, 2011 at the age of 94. Born to Howell F. Sweeny and Eustatia Ellis Sweeney after the death of their two boys, Fran became a tomboy who eagerly accompanied her father on hunting and fishing expeditions, leaving her two younger sisters, Gayle and Anita to more ladylike pursuits. Taking after her father and a beloved aunt, Fran was a natural teacher. After her first year of college at MTSU (then Tennessee State Teachers College) she supported her education by teaching with a temporary license. She met Charles Morris Brandon in college and they were married in 1940. In the war, Morris served as a chemist at Dupont and Fran tuned the secret radio tone signals in fighter planes because of her musical training and the fact that she was small enough to work inside the planes cockpits. Beginning their family and returning to teaching after the war, they both obtained advanced degrees at Peabody College in Nashville. Fran wrote many plays, poems, and childrens books, four of which were published. Her teaching spanned grade school through college level in schools in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Columbus, Mississippi. She was a strong supporter of the arts, conservation, equal rights, and the anti-war effort. The many fields in which she excelled were summarized in an article in this paper by Dorothy Harrison: The vivacious woman is the wife, mother, educator, author, clubwomen, youth worker, gardener,dog trainer, student. (Daily News Journal, 5/12/74). Forever young at heart, her life touched many lives, and all who knew her loved her and will miss her. Fran is survived by son, Carl Morris Brandon of Christiana; daughter, Stacia Moffett of Pullman, WA; sister, Gayle Johnston of Nashville; grandchildren, Joseph and Cassie Brandon, and Howell, Benjamin, and Rosalie Moffett; great grandchildren Draden, Elyas, and Alissa Smotherman, and Max and Jolie Brandon. Graveside services will be Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Monday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. A memorial service will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church on Sunday March 6 at 2:00 PM with Dr. Jim Clardy and Rev. Martha Touchton officiating.