She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Joe H. Brannen. Theirs was a love story most only dream of, and her family and dear friends take comfort in knowing they are now reunited in their heavenly home.
Barbara was also preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Edward Hasty and Macy Verlyn Lawhorn Hasty, as well as her six siblings: Bobby Summers, Mary Jo Gibbs, Donnie Hasty, Gerald Hasty, Aubrey Gene Hasty, and Maxi Hasty, all of Georgia.
She is survived by her loving children, Kimberly Brannen Wallace of Little Rock and Joe H. ''Jody'' Brannen Jr. of the Green Hill community. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren: Joseph Brannen, William Wallace, Caroline Staton (Jared), and John Wallace; great-grandchildren Everleigh and Olivia Staton; step-granddaughter Grayce Townsend and her daughter, Layna; along with many loving nieces and nephews.
Barbara graduated from high school in Georgia, where much to the surprise of her children, she was a member of the drumline. She married Joe in October of 1961, beginning a storybook marriage filled with love and partnership.
Barbara and Joe raised their children in Clayton, Georgia, before moving to Monticello, Arkansas in the early 1970s, where they became active members of the community. In addition to supporting her husband in his successful business, Barbara was a dedicated member of the Monticello Junior Auxiliary and, later in life, the Monticello P.E.O. Chapter, serving as president of both organizations.
She was involved in numerous charitable and social groups throughout her life in Monticello. An avid tennis player, Barbara competed across South Arkansas until rheumatoid arthritis forced her to retire her racket. She was also an excellent golfer, the world's greatest mom, a loyal friend to many, a loving grandmother, and a devoted wife until the very end.
Beautiful inside and out, Barbara Ruth Hasty Brannen will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 413 N. Main Monticello, AR 71655.You can sign Mrs. Barbara's guestbook here on her page.
Condolences(12)
Elizabeth Burnett
Dermott, AR Monday, May 5, 2025 Kim - I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing woman. My parents loved she and Joe very much. I just found out about your Mom or I would have loved to hug your neck. Much love and lots of condolences.Liz (Elizabeth Bulloch) Burnett
Lavera Burton
Monticello, AR Sunday, May 4, 2025 Jody I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I know how much you loved her and will miss her. Prayer's for you and your family.Debbie Henry
Warren, AR Saturday, May 3, 2025 So sorry for the lost of B.She was a precious soul. I’m so glad that her children chose me toBe her caregiver for the last year and a half. We had some wonderful times together that I will cherish forever.I loved her very much rest in peace Bb. Love and prayers to her family.
Debbie Henry
Phyllis Jones
Andover, KS Friday, May 2, 2025 Jody, Kim and family, I was so saddened and shocked to read Barb’s obit in the paper this morning. She and I had many good times together in Monticello. I was saddened when I lost Sonny and had to move away from Monticello to be near my daughter. She always told me I had a room at her house if I could visit. Barb was one of the first people to befriend me when I moved to Monticello as both our husbands were on the Commercial Bank Board and that formed a connection with us. We had a long phone conversation after Joe passed away. She will always be in my memories as one of my best friends. My sympathies to all of you. I wish I could be there for her service, but regretfully, I am too far away.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, May 1, 2025 So sorry to read about your sweet mom. Barbara was truly a beautiful and caring lady! She was such a pleasure to be with when I taught her piano lessons many years ago. I'd felt a closer bond with her because her home was located on land my grandparent's had originally owned, where I'd spent so much time as a child and have so many wonderful memories of being there.I pray God surrounds you all with his loving arms to give you peace and comfort. God bless you.
Mrs. Cheryle King
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.Geri Abernathy
St. Augustine Beach, FL Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Very sad but as the obituary said She is reunited with the Love of Her Life ❤️ Sending love and hugs to all of the family. Praying for you all…..she will be greatly missed!! Love you all, GeriElgenia Ross
Monticello, AR Monday, April 28, 2025 Barbara was a close friend from time she and Joe arrived in Monticello. They were good neighbors to jim's parents who lived next door for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Elgenia and JimKent Davis
Maumelle, AR Saturday, April 26, 2025 My condolences and prayers for the family on Barbara’s passing. She and Joe were wonderful people, great neighbors.Cindy McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Saturday, April 26, 2025 So sorry for your loss. Will be praying for y’all during this time.Robin Johnson
Little Rock, AR Friday, April 25, 2025 Dear Family, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Barbara. What a true lady. She was beautiful inside and out. The way she always carried herself through out life. Lots of memories through JA, golf and lots of great talks. She was so proud of each of you.Robin Johnson, Mandy Tropf and Katie Colburn
Cindy Jarvis
Rison, AR Thursday, April 24, 2025 Dear Family, I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss of your beloved matriarch. She was an exceptional person, elegance and class would be two of many words I would use to describe her. In the 40 plus years I’ve known her she treated me with kindness and respect, I learned a lot from sitting side by side with her at the office for many years and for that I will always be grateful.. she gave me a nickname only she used for the 40 years Ive been blessed to have known her, never again will I hear someone call out to me Cinderella and it breaks my heart to know that.. I loved Queen B and will always cherish our relationship and the memories that I hold dear..reunited with her soulmate and wrapped in Jesus’ arms, until we meet again ❤️