Sandra Gail Brain

Sandra "Sandy" Gail Brain, aged 85, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Willard Walker Hospice Home surrounded by her family. Sandra was born on December 16, 1936, at St. Vincent's Infirmary in Little Rock, Ark., to Doyle Millikin and Cecilia Puckett Whitley. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, James Edward Brain; her father and mother; and many loving aunts and uncles who we know welcomed her home. Her family rests in the assurance of Sandra's salvation. Sandy was a devoted wife, mother, "Mimi" and friend. She adored her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on in their endeavors wearing either the Rogers Mountie blue, the Fayetteville Bulldog purple or Arkansas Razorback red. Everyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary or event received a special card from Sandy. She had an amazing memory for bible verses. She could tell you the name of any bird at your bird feeder and identify most every tree or flower in Arkansas. Her children and grandchildren will miss her infectious sense of humor and boundless knowledge every day. Sandy was a proud graduate of Little Rock High School Class of 1955. She attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and received a certificate in business from the Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. It was while working at the U.S. Corps of Engineers that she met the love of her life, Jim, while playing ping pong. They were married in January of 1959 and rarely left each other's side. Their marriage was a testament and example to their children of true devotion. Sandy's children are forever grateful for the loving care she took of their father during his long illness. Sandy and Jim were long-time members of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock, where she still has many friends. She attended First Baptist Church, Fayetteville where she was a member of the "Thursday Bible Study Group." Her family thanks these ladies for their love and support of Sandy during her illness. She also watched the Sunday morning televised service from First Baptist Church, Rogers. Sandy is survived by her two children, Holly Brain Johnson and husband David of Fayetteville, and James "Jay" Edward Brain, Jr. and wife Kelly of Rogers; her four grandchildren, Celia Johnson, James "Jeb" Edward Brain III, Russ Johnson and Georgia Brain; her brothers-in-law, Sidney Brain and wife Sue of Harrison, Richard Brain and wife Vicky of Little Rock, and Patrick Brain and wife Pam of Fayetteville; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Chapel in Fayetteville. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Burial will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Cancer Resources, 5835 W. Sunset Avenue, Springdale, Arkansas 72762 or Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207. To place an online tribute visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.