Leota Marlene Brannon Harris

Leota Marlene Brannon Harris, 84 of Akron passed away January 3^rd, 2023.

She was born on January 8, 1938, in Newton, West Virginia, the daughter of the late John & Delphia Brannon.

Marlene, as most called her, retired from Quatech Inc., where she was employed by Dr. Chen. She always considered him and his wife friends, and

thought fondly of them.

Mom loved cooking and was a great cook.  She took pride in the pleasure everyone got from her efforts.  She had favorites that everyone requested for the holiday gatherings, and made them each and every time.  The holiday meals weren't the same without her 7-up salad or waldorf salad!

Mom loved to sew and made matching dresses for her 6 granddaughters when they were little.  She spent many hours sewing and hand hemming each dress. (The girls may cringe now, but there are yearly pictures of her work!)

In her later years, she volunteered many hours sewing lap blankets and walker carrier pouches to take to nursing homes.  She enjoyed going to deliver the items and seeing the smiles on the faces of the recipients. 

Our mom had a very large family and was the eighth of nine children.  Times were hard for the family, but hearing stories during family get -togethers, you could tell there was lots of love and shenanigans amongst the siblings.  No matter how many were together at a time, they would laugh and recall memories of time “on the farm”.    They may not all have the same memory, but they all had mostly fond memories of their childhood.

Mom was always taking pictures during any occasion or gathering.  Fortunately for all, she is the reason we have pictures of all our birthdays, holidays, and some awkward times.  She knew how precious those memories would be, even if no one else did at the time.

Mom was an amputee because of a car accident that was not her fault.  She spent months and years recovering and rebuilding her life.  She worked diligently to regain her independence and overcame many obstacles that most will never understand.

That's who our mom was, loving, caring, strong, determined, and always kept family first.  She was the “family glue”, and no one will really appreciate that, until they realize no one else is doing it.

Rest in peace, Mom.   Your wings were ready, even if our hearts were not.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John & Delphia, brothers Charles, Lloyd, Maxell, and Eugene; sisters Dorothy & Wilma, and Karen's loving companion, Donald Butcher.

She is survived by children Susan Lynn (Mel) Lee, Karen Harouff, and Franklin (Tammy) Harris.  Grandchildren, Robert, Stephanie (David), Amber (Tim), Nicole, Crystal, Tiffanie (Matt), Bethanie, and Josh.  Great-grandchildren, Hayden, Blaine, Ella, Nevaeh, Nolan, Colton, and Everett.   Brothers, John Brannon and James Brannon.  Former husband and friend, Frank Harris; as well as many nieces and nephews,

Special thank you to Heather Knoll and Wellspring Hospice.

Following her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private family memorial will be held in West Virginia.

Memorial donation can be made in her name to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.