Brandy Leigh Miller, 32, died Wednesday morning, May 6, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Brandy was born, October 13, 1976 in Kinston, NC to Lura Fay Sweat and Mercer Truman Miller. Brandy was a graduate of the School of Communication Arts and Wake Technical Community College.
Brandy had a special love for children and, being artistically gifted, devoted herself to teaching art to her students at both North Raleigh Country Day School and Franklin Academy. She also spent many hours outside the classroom helping students discover a love of art and enjoyed seeing their art appreciation develop. She designed and created several murals which are a testament to her artistic talent and abilities.
Brandy had a unique perspective on life which was derived from both her close-knit family and her deep Christian faith. Brandy always managed to see the good in every situation and every person and was deeply appreciative of her blessings which she considered many. This faith-driven perspective served Brandy well over the past year in her hard fought battle with cancer. She was an inspiration and example of a life well-lived.
As artistically gifted and thoughtful as Brandy was, she was equally organized. A large number of people were involved in organizing and staging efforts on Brandy's behalf to raise monies to assist her in fighting her cancer. Those many people, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff at Duke Hospital and Duke Clinic received personal Thank You notes and tokens of appreciation from Brandy. Brandy dilligently kept lists of all the people who helped her as she wanted to make sure they all received a special hug and thank you. Brandy always wanted to make sure people knew how much she appreciated them.
Apart from her school "children", Brandy also had a special place in her heart for her "kitties". She thoughtfully rescued and loved Cuba and Cher. They gave her much comfort and joy during her illness.
Brandy was a loving friend to many and gratefully appreciated the support of her many friends who visited with her at home, at the hospital and, finally, at home during her hospice care.
Brandy was a smart, beautiful, and vibrant young woman. She had many special talents and gifts which she shared with all of us. While we will miss her greatly every day, we are at peace that she is now resting in the arms of the Lord where there is no more pain and no more suffering for our beloved Brandy. God has a special angel in heaven with Him today.
Survivors other than her mother and father, include step-father, Mike Sweat, step-mother, Barbara Miller, brother, Michael Gray Sweat, step-sisters, Sheri Wells and Tiffany Parks, step-brother, Eric Wells and grandparents, Cecil Edwards, and Hazel King Sweat. Brandy is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was predeceased by her grandmothers, Lura Jean Edwards and Nora Mercer Miller, and grandfathers, Edward R. Sweat and Ottis Miller.
A memorial service honoring Brandy will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 6:00pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on St. Mary's Street, Raleigh with a visitation immediately following the service. Flowers are appreciated or donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or Franklin Academy will be collecting monetary donations to honor Brandy's wish to purchase art supplies for "Art for Life" of the Duke Childrens Hospital. Send to: Franklin Academy 1127 Chalkes Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587, memo line: Brandy Miller.