Darlene Ann Ritter Brannan, age 63, of Brushy Creek in Lucedale, MS, passed away at 9:50 AM on Sunday, December 24th, 2023 in her home surrounded by family.

Darlene graduated from Grace King High School in Metairie, LA in 1978. She later received her associate's degree from Delgado College in New Orleans, LA. She began her long career in medical billing / accounts management at Pan American Life Insurance Company where her expertise grew to the extent that she became a Medicare coverage professional. After marriage, Darlene moved with her husband to the Lucedale, MS area and started working in the Spring Hill Hospital system in Mobile, AL. During her time at Spring Hill Hospital, Darlene worked several different special projects, including the outsourcing of the medical billing programming and documentation of the billing cycles.  After approximately 41 years of service in her career, Darlene retired from Spring Hill's SSI division. In 1981, Darlene met her immediate friend, Steve Brannan. Darlene and Steve began a relationship that, without a doubt, transformed both of their lives. Darlene, a city girl in the midst of a larger Metropolitan area, and Steve, from a small rural area in Mississippi, would have been considered one of the most unlikely couples, but an uncommon bond grew between the two, to the extent that Steve asked Darlene to marry him in 1982; And the fun and excitement started. Steve confesses that Darlene brought a "color", a "new view to life" and completeness to his life, that would not have ever occurred if that union had not happened.

There were four children from this marriage between Darlene and Steve; Megan was born in 1983, Laura was born in 1989, Stephanie was born in 1997, and finally Luke was born in 1999. Then there were four grandchildren born into this family: Claire Pierce – 2007, Harper Pierce – 2013, Oliver Stanley -2017, and Beau Stanley – 2019.

Many fond memories have been made by this clearly organized group of loved ones. There could be many stories told. Darlene was a much loved wife, mother, friend, and a born-again Christian. The latter is the most important point; Darlene came to know the Lord, Jesus Christ, as her savior; So her eternity is sure, and she is with her savior.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen L. Brannan; children, Megan (Brent) Pierce, Laura (Robert) Stanley, Stephanie (Justin) Howell, and Luke (Sarah Babineaux) Brannan; mother, Janelle Murphy; siblings, Charlene (Bill) Burger, Kevin (Cassandra) Ritter, Ken (Julie) Ritter, Harold Ritter lll, and Christian (Le-Ann) Ritter.

She is preceded in death by her father, Harold Ritter.

The funeral will be held 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS. Burial will be in Brannan Family Cemetery, Lucedale, MS.

Calling hours will be Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.