Central 1950 Barbara Jean (Bailey) Brandy

Oct. 24, 1932 - Jan. 10, 2017

Condolences

SOUTH BEND - Barbara Jean Brandy, 84, residing in South Bend, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017, in the Sanctuary at Holy Cross. She was born October 24, 1932, to the union of Steward Vance & Hertha Wright Vance Bailey in South Bend. She was raised by her stepfather, Leo L. Bailey.

Barbara attended Linden Elementary School and graduated from Central High School and Indiana University, Bloomington, majoring in business. She was employed by various institutions, including the first African American secretary at Robertson's Department Store, Bendix Corporation, Kaley/Kennedy Elementary Schools (SBCSC), and executive secretary for St. Joseph County Engineers, from which she retired in 1997. Barbara has been a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church since 1955 and was a member of the Mass Choir. Barbara was baptized at Grace AME Zion Church, South Bend.

In April 1956, Barbara married Eddie L. Brandy, Jr., at Pilgrim Baptist Church, South Bend, officiated by the late Rev. Charles G. Rowlett. Out of the union of Eddie & Barbara are three children who survive, Karen Brandy-Comer, Sadiki Abudullah Karim (Joanna) and Kenneth L. Brandy (Tanicia); fifteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her ex-husband, Eddie L. Brandy; her sister, Peggy Jennings; and first cousins, Merlin Pat (Deloris) Thomas of Florida, Robert Thomas of Ohio and Charles Thomas of Texas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews & other cousins.

A Celebration of Life Tribute will be held at 4:30 pm Friday, January 13, 2017, at the Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W. Washington St., South Bend, IN 46601. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, January 14, 2017, in the Pilgrim Baptist Church, 116 Birdsell St., South Bend, IN 46628, with repast immediately following. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 am - 12 noon Saturday in the church prior to services. Burial will take place privately at Riverview Cemetery. Palmer Funeral Home - West Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family wants to thank the Sanctuary at Holy Cross and Harbor Light Hospice for their care of our Mother, the Pilgrim Baptist Church family for all their cards and visits, as well as the Civil Rights Heritage Center.

Online condolences may be left for Barbara's family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 12, 2017

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