Etta Lou (Tennison) Brand of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the age of 96. She was born August 16, 1927, in Alicia, Arkansas, the only daughter of Joseph and Pearl (Gaston) Tennison.
On April 12, 1946, Miss Etta Lou Tennison was married to Mr. John Alfred Brand. They enjoyed 72 years of marriage, building a life, and raising three sons together.
She graduated from Clover Bend High School and later worked at Brand’s Body Shop alongside her husband.
Mrs. Brand was a devoted member of her community, actively participating in the Newport Newcomers Club and working the election polls for many years. She enjoyed playing bingo, golfing, and participating in water aerobics at Newport Country Club. Mrs. Brand also had a passion for traveling, and gardening, and especially enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She and Mr. Brand were active members of the First Christian Church from 1954 until it closed. They then joined the First United Methodist Church of Newport.
Mrs. Brand was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, John Alfred Brand; one son, Michael S. Brand; five brothers, Bill Tennison, Don Tennison, Delano Tennison, Douglas Tennison, and Dwain Tennison; and her parents.
She is survived by two sons, Rodney Brand and wife, Kathryn, of Oklahoma City and Rodger Brand and wife, Carol, of Newport; one daughter-in-law, Kay Brand of Newport; one brother, Tom Tennison and wife, Barb, of Rockford, Illinois; one sister-in-law, Lamelda Fortenberry of Tuckerman; eight grandchildren, Nan Means (Scott), Dr. Alicia Battershell (Mike), John William Brand, Mary Kathryn Pellegrino (Connor), Beth Ouellette, Dr. John C. Brand (Stephanie), Michael T. Brand, and Michelle Foshee (Justin); thirteen great-grandchildren, Chris Branham (Annalee), Roe Battershell, Sammy Battershell, Celia Battershell, Grace Ouellette, Luke Ouellette, Owen Brand, Logan Brand, Michael D. Brand, Bliss Foshee, Ella Foshee, Conrad Foshee, and Tennison Pellegrino; many nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, beginning at 1:00 PM. Graveside services will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery at 2:00 PM.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Dr. John Brand, Scott Means, Chris Branham, Luke Ouellette, Michael Brand, Will Brand, Justin Foshee, Mike Battershell, Connor Pellegrino, and Colton Oltmann.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
