Marsha Jean (Nichols) Brannies

Marsha Jean (Nichols) Brannies, 75, passed away on November 12, 2024, in Dallas, TX. She was born on July 14, 1949, to Virginia (Miller) Nichols and Ralph Nichols in Winfield, KS. Marsha was the oldest of 5 siblings and spent much of her childhood "mothering" her siblings. They will remember this care from her forever. After graduating high school in California, she married Robert Brannies, and they eventually relocated to Wichita, KS, and raised their children in a joint effort through divorce. In both California and Wichita, Marsha babysat other kids in the home and worked on her degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University at the same time. Marsha would unite her degree and passion for children by spending most of her career in child support enforcement, where she thrived. She would continue this pursuit after following her daughter and family to Houston, TX. Upon retirement, she followed her daughter and family to the Kansas City area and then her son and family to the Indianapolis area. In all these places, she played an integral role in her grandchildren's lives, which was priority #1 to her. In retirement, she also took up volunteering to be a CASA (court-appointed special advocate) to young children who needed someone to speak up for them and protect them.

Five years ago, while gravely ill after several health scares, Marsha moved to the Dallas area where her daughter could help care for her. She was successful in battling off that round of lymphoma and was able to be independent again for a few years. During this time, she volunteered at the Kaufman County Child Advocacy Center in Kaufman, TX. She fell in love with entertaining the children and teens waiting for their turn. When she became ill enough again to have to resign, it broke her heart. She expressed her wish for you to support this organization at www.kaufmanccac.org in lieu of flowers. Donations may be left in the care of the Funeral Home.

Marsha is survived by her daughter Erin (Darren) Harvey, son Douglas (Jennifer) Brannies, grandchildren Kevin Harvey, Ryan Harvey, Caleb Brannies, and Chloe Brannies, and sisters Barbara (Don) Richie, Linda (Lonnie) Moore, and half sister Teresa (Mel) Young. She is preceded in death by her brothers Larry Nichols and Mike Nichols.

Marsha's memorial service will be Monday, December 30, 2024 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Winfield at 2:00 p.m. followed by her interment at Highland Cemetery, both in Winfield, KS.