Funeral services will be held this weekend for the daughter of a longtime – now retired – Stephens County deputy who was killed last week in a wreck on the Toccoa Bypass.
The two-vehicle collision that killed Autumn Brannon happened Friday evening, Feb. 28, at the intersection of GA 17 North and GA 106/Mize Road.
According to authorities, 19-year-old MacKenzie Howell of Toccoa was westbound on Highway 17 in a Jeep Cherokee. State troopers say Howell ran the red light at the intersection, and the Jeep struck the side of a Toyota Corolla driven by Brannon, also of Toccoa.
The 46-year-old Brannon died as a result of the crash. Her father, Paul Shiffer, served over 40 years in law enforcement – much of that time was spent at the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Rusty Fulbright shared the sad news of Brannon’s passing on social media and extended his condolences “to all parties involved in this tragic incident.”
“Prior to his retirement, Paul faithfully served the citizens of Stephens County with our Patrol and Civil Divisions. Their family’s loss is felt by many, including Paul’s law enforcement brothers and sisters here in Stephens County,” Sheriff Fulbright said. “Please join us in keeping these families in your prayers.”
According to her obituary, Brannon was employed at 1st Franklin Financial. She is warmly remembered as someone whose “kind spirit radiated to all those around her. To know her was to love her,” her family said.
Brannon leaves behind her husband, Dustin, and two sons. Her funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at Tate’s Creek Baptist Church.
The Georgia State Patrol is still investigating the fatal crash.
Autumn Shiffer Brannon obituary
