Ida Lou Hightower Brannen Carter

Ida Lou Hightower Brannen Carter, 95, of Valdosta passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019. She was born on November 11, 1923 to the late Carroll Smith and Lillie Hightower. Heaven gained a precious angel that was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She was feisty, loving, and her family knew her as mama, granny, and granny Georgia. She loved her family fiercely.
She is survived by her children, Mary Lou Hudspeth (Gordon), John Carroll Brannen (Pat), Daniel S. Brannen (Masako), James L. Brannen, Benjamin F. Brannen (Pam), Tommy Brannen (special friend Sandy), and Linda Darlene Brannen Ray Gaskins (Steve); her grandchildren, Laurie Hudspeth, Scott Hudspeth (Susan), Terrie Kerbo (Ron), Keri Martin (Tommy), Steve Brannen (Wade), Andrea Smirthwaite (Marty), Rodney Ray (Mallory), Kyle Ray (Brittany), and Mandy Gaskins; her great grandchildren, Justin Westbrook, Kayla Hudspeth (Fiancé Nathan McCroskey), Susanne Hudspeth, Ariel Martin, Abby Grace Martin, Emily Kerbo (Fiancé Tyler Bennett), Brannen Kerbo (Fiancée Mallory Nix), Aiden Brannen, DW Brannen, Dani Smirthwaite, Libby Smirthwaite, Blayden Ray, Braidy Ray, Benelli Ray, Landen and Nolan Cabrera, Taylor Ray, and Caroline Ray; her great great grandchildren, Vada Westbrook, and Josie Kate Bennett; her siblings John Hightower (Mary Frances), Ruth Smith (George), Aline Voltz, and Ed Hightower; many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Carter was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Anna Pearl Nell, Catherine Cowart, Clyde Moore, and B.S. Hightower.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Hightower Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Langdale Hospice, 2263 Pineview Dr., Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.