Lucy Irene McDonald Brann

Lucy Irene McDonald Brann, age 80, of Hot Springs passed away and went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 26, 2024.  She was born May 2, 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late James “Jim” Washington and Ella Addie Brown McDonald.  As a child she grew up on a farm in Wrightsville, AR along with her eleven brothers and sisters.  Farm life was tough but she never wanted for affection.  Her father passed away at the age of nine, so she had her mother and other siblings to help raise and care for her.

She graduated from Fuller High School in May, 1961, and married George McCarley on July 28, 1961.   In their 25 years of marriage, they had 3 children:  Steve, Sherry and Jim.  They all enjoyed beach trips together and fishing in a stock pond for catfish for fun.

She attended night classes at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in her thirties to further her education.  She had an extensive work career with Sears, Roebuck and Co.  She initially worked in the personnel department at the Little Rock store, and then opened the McCain Mall store to be the Personnel Manager in North Little Rock; later she was promoted to Retail General Office Manager.   Eventually her career with Sears led her to be the Store Manager at the Jacksonville location, and transferred to be the Service Manager at the Hot Springs store, where she retired after 34 years.  She also sold Met Life Insurance products for a few years.  Lucy with two sisters (Betty and Ruby), had a side business called Three Sisters Florist in which they catered weddings. 

Later in life she met Travis Brann on July 4, 2009; the music and fireworks ignited.  They were married on October 31, 2009 and have been on their honeymoon for the past 14 years.  Lucy found her soul mate and gained a step-daughter Juliann, step son-in-law Sean, step-grandson Dirk and step-son Aaron.  Lucy and Travis enjoyed gardening, feeding and watching birds, singing together, traveling, watching sports, card games, visiting loved ones, nature walks, and camping.  The honeymoon for Lucy and Travis ended with his death in July, 2023 but she enjoyed her memories with him.

Lucy was best known for her love for family, and her amazing memory and how she could remember everyone’s birthdays.  She was always very close to her siblings and spent her early years going to her mother’s homestead each weekend to visit, and spend time with family.   She was always instrumental in organizing extended family reunions.  Camping with extended family at Lake Ouachita was really special to her. She encouraged her kids, nieces and nephews to continue family reunions even after she was gone.   

She was an active member of Hot Springs First Baptist Church for approximately 30 years where she had a wonderful Sunday School class that she and Travis enjoyed going to dinner with every Friday night.  She loved the Lord, friends and family dearly.

Survivors include children: Steven McCarley (Laura), Sherry Lee (Jeffrey), James McCarley (Erin), and step-daughter Juliann Waters (Sean); grandchildren: Jessica Jackson (Brian), Matthew McCarley (Sarah), Michelle Davis (Allen), Rachel Smothers (Wynrick), Clara McCarley, Thomas McCarley, Teresa McCarley, and step-grandson Dirk Rynders;   great-grandchildren: Charlotte Jackson, Harper Jackson, Gray McCarley, Jack Davis and Molly Davis; and one sister: Lois Sikes (David).  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  

She was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Travis Brann; her parents, Jim McDonald and Addie McDonald; step-son Aaron Brann; sisters Edna Young, Norma Dreher, Mary Riggin, Helen Johnston, Ruby Johnson and Betty Fowler, and her brothers Colvin McDonald, Felix McDonald, Quitman McDonald and Robert McDonald.

Donations may be made in Lucy Brann’s memory to Our Promise Cancer Resources, 133 Harmony Park Circle, Hot Springs, AR 71913.

Services will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.  Please join us for Visitation at 2:00pm and Celebration of Life at 3:00pm.  

Interment will be held Monday, February 5, 2024 at 2:00pm at Martindale Cemetery, 40710 AR-10, Bigelow, AR 72016.