Summary
Thisby Roo Brannon, 63, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on September 11th, 2025, while hospitalized, surrounded by her family. She was born August 21st, 1962, to Louise Marie Brannon and John Preston Ward, both now deceased; Thisby was the fourth of five children. She grew up in the very close knit ‘Riverside’ community. She was well-known in Indianapolis, and especially on the northwest side of town.
Thisby, was lovingly known to many as “Roo” and “Rooster”. She was known for her energetic personality, generous spirit, and adventurous stories, Roo leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and community spirit that touched all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
She was a proud graduate of Crispus Attucks High School’s class of 1979. While Roo’s ambition was to enter the WMBA, she had varied interests and achievements across different fields. She furthered her education, first at IUPUI, studying Business and Education. She earned an associate’s degree, in Auto Mechanics. She also earned a General Electrician degree and was employed with Gaylor Electric, for seven years. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit, and her tireless work ethic, Roo built a distinguished career as a Master Locksmith. She managed Ace Lock and Key Services, Inc. for a decade and later became the owner-operator of R&B Auto & Home Openers, earning a reputation of integrity and skillfulness.
Roo’s kind, generous, resourceful spirit was demonstrated by her willingness to go the extra mile to support her family, friends and even strangers. Animals found a gentle friend in Roo. Her compassion extended to two and four-legged companions as much as to people. One of the last pets she owned was a cockatoo, named Louie.
She is survived by an older brother, Dale H Brannon (Vineta) and younger sister Oberon Matheny, and guardian sons: Robert Cosby and Juan Cosby. She also leaves to cherish her memory, nieces and nephews including Christos Baize, Victor A. McNeal II, Alexandra Douglass, Geoffrey Miller, Cedric Matheny, Crystal Matheny, and Lydia Matheny, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Thisby Roo was preceded in death by her parents, an older sister, Theda Baize, older brother, John W. Brannon, and guardian son, Herbert Cosby, Jr.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Roo’s extraordinary life on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Holliday Park Nature Center Auditorium, located at, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260.
The family of Thisby Roo Brannon wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many prayers, calls, texts, social media posts, floral arrangements and other expressions of kindness and concern evidenced during this time. May God bless you all.
Roo’s spirit will forever soar—funny, loud, generous, and hopeful—a beacon of warmth and love for family, friends, and the Indianapolis community.
One Response
I’m so sorry for your loss. We’ve known each other for so many years and memories growing up. I’m only a message or call away. You’re in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers.”