Frances "Jo" Brannon

(September 4, 1925 - August 23, 2013)

Longtime resident of Happy Camp, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Frances “Jo” Brannon passed away on August 23, 2013. She was born to George Washington Whisenhunt and Ida Jane Arnold-Whisenhunt on September 4, 1925 in Big Cedar, Oklahoma, located in the beautiful Kiamichi Mountains. She was the last of twelve siblings.

Jo is preceded in death by husband Grady Keno, whom she married in 1941, and husband Roy Brannon, whom she married in 1949, and her granddaughter, Kary Keno. Jo and Roy celebrated 64 years together before he passed away earlier this year.

Jo leaves behind her son, Jim Keno and his wife Linda of Yreka, and her daughter, Linda Davis and her husband Skip of Happy Camp; her grandchildren Kenny Keno of Florida, Craig Keno and his wife Kandi of Etna, Aaron Keno of Yreka, Jenny Holden and her husband James of Shasta Lake, Jessaca Lugo and her husband Craig of Redding and Starla Davis of Redding; and great grandchildren Kyrra and Cade Keno, Kason and Tanner Lugo and Trinity Holden, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Her first job was as a waitress in 1946 in Silver City, New Mexico. She continued to work as a waitress for 45 years. She even cooked for a logging crew at Methodist Creek by Forks of Salmon. She enjoyed working with the public, meeting new people, and of course the great tips she received. Jo retired in the mid 80's to enjoy her many passions which included her family, growing flowers, working in her yard, gardening, listening to country music, visiting with friends, and cooking and baking for her family. She prepared many a Thanksgiving dinner with her special, traditional recipes, which her family looked forward to each year.

She was very proud of her family and she made us all feel special with her words of love and encouragement. You will live forever in our hearts. We love you and miss you!

A Celebration of Jo’s life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 12:00 Noon at the Headway Room on Headway Road in Happy Camp.