Brandy Denette (Rigsby) Harper

Brandy Denette (Rigsby) Harper

May 19, 1975 - February 20, 2025

49 years old

    Brandy was diagnosed with end stage pancreatic cancer in August of 2024. She fought valiantly these past months to stay with her family and friends as long as she possibly could. Her courage and strength were immeasurable and her faith in God never wavered. She was called to Heaven at the age of 49, on February 20, 2025 at 2 pm. Her departure was peaceful and she was surrounded by her family and friends.

    Born May 19, 1975 in Paris, IL. The daughter of Jim (Paula) Rigsby and Connie (Terry) Lewis. She married the love of her life, Mike Harper on October 7, 2000. She is survived by her loving husband Mike; their children Gaige Nale, Marlee, Elias, and Eva Harper; their grandchild James and Ophelia Nale and her fur baby Jeb. She is also survived by her parents Jim and Paula, and Connie and Terry; her siblings Shelly (Charlie) Penry, Jim (Tara) Rigsby, Crystal Lewis, and Angie (Matt) Smith; father in law, Larry Harper, brother in law, Larry Wayne (Gina) Harper, and sister in law, Denise Harper; her lifelong irreplaceable best friend, Michelle Leone, her Golden Girls, her Ya Ya Sisterhood, and a plethora of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family members, and more friends than you can possibly imagine. 

    She was preceded in death by her grandparents Charles and Dorothy Rigsby, Leon and Okie Catterson, mother in law Marlene Harper, uncles Leon and Everett Catterson, and special friends Gayle Burrell and Holly White.

    Brandy graduated from GRHS in 1993. She completed her Associates Degree at DACC and her Bachelors Degree at St. Mary of the Woods College. She devoted herself to improving the lives of countless children and their families as a Developmental therapist for 25 years. She was committed to her Christian faith all her life and she truly led by example. The day she received her terminal diagnosis she stated that if her journey led even one person closer to God she was honored to do it. As a young girl, she attended the Olivet Church of the Nazarene. As a young teen and young adult she worshipped her Lord at the Elwood Friends Meeting and most recently she and her family enjoyed the fellowship of her current Christian family at the Vermilion Valley Vineyard (3V) Church.

    Bran was a beacon of light, an alchemist of sorts. She absorbed the plight of others and transformed them into love and light. Bran has been described as a shining star, an angel among us, and she really was, and so much more. She was the most devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was affectionately known as Bran the Great by her family (even if she did give herself that title). She was a tireless advocate for children and those less fortunate. She volunteered and collected donations for many organizations that benefited those who were impoverished, homeless, or struggled with addiction. She was a supporter and participant in many local art, music, and theatre programs. She and her husband had both previously survived battles with cancer, therefore she was involved in numerous charitable events and organizations to raise money and awareness for cancer patients and research. She was a lover and protector of all animals as well and once stopped traffic to save a snake crossing the road even though she was afraid to touch it. She was down for any and all adventures and loved to travel. Within her family and friend groups she was the official event planner, party decorator, game player, and cake baker extraordinaire. She was humble and kind and generous and loving. Her attributes were endless in fact, and her accolades innumerable. She will be missed deeply and greatly by all. 

    For those who would like to attend the celebration of her life, a visitation will be held at the Vermilion Valley Vineyard Church, 3733 Poolside Dr., Danville, IL on Wednesday, February 26th from 5-7 pm. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Thursday, February 27th at 10:30 am with Pastor Jay Sorrell officiating. Internment thereafter at Walnut Corner Cemetery. A dinner will be provided afterwards at the 3V Church. We encourage those attending to honor Bran by wearing their "Bran Shirts" to both services. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to help cover final expenses at Fisher National Bank.

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