Doris Elizabeth Brannen, 78, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Duke Health Lake Norman. She was born February 14, 1948, in Charlotte, N.C., daughter of the late John Edward Thrower and Margaret Josephine Madagan Thrower.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Eddie Thrower; sisters, Margaret Matson, Edna Plyler, and Evelyn Small; son-in-law, Jamie Gilbert; and nephews, Joey Matson and John Thrower.

Doris graduated from Harding High School in Charlotte in 1966 and attended Kings College. She dedicated several years to the Charlotte School Board, then worked at a doctor’s office in Charleston, but she will be remembered most for her 15 years at Fast Phil’s on Brawley School Road in Mooresville. After retiring in 2000, she devoted herself full-time to being a loving Mammaw to Whitney and David, who were her greatest joy. She was a devoted and active member of Triplett United Methodist Church for many years. Known for her booming voice and infectious, joyful cackle, Doris brought life to every room. We know she will be sitting around in heaven with her restless foot tapping, laughing and acting up with her sisters and brother, but she will be deeply missed by all of us here.

She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Michael “Butch” Brannen; son, Michael Brannen (Karen); and daughter Amy Gilbert of Mooresville; grandchildren, Whitney Brannen of Raleigh and David Brannen of Charlotte; nieces, Terri Porcher (Eddie) of James Island, S.C., Lori Rayano (Joe) of McConnells, S.C., Debbie Vaught (James) of Conway, S.C., Sherri Abel of Charleston, S.C., and Mary Katherine Thrower of South Carolina; and nephews, Joe Small (Electa) of Georgetown, S.C., and Timothy Thrower of South Carolina.

A celebration of life service will be held by the family on Monday, March 9, at 11 a.m. at the Heritage House Cavin Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Richard’s Coffee Shop at www.welcomevets.com or West Church LKN at www.headingwest.org.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Brannen family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.