Michelle DaVonn "Missy" Brand

Michelle DaVonn Brand was born November 23, 1963, in Arlington Heights, Illinois; and went to sleep in Jesus July 19, 2026, at home in the arms of Jay L Brand, devoted husband, in Pullman, Michigan. Michelle’s parents, the late Delmon M. Esh, Jr., and the late Carol Jean Esh and her precious sister, Lisa Strohauer, also await the Resurrection and the Life. Michelle (Missy) earned her high school diploma in 1982 from Cedar Lake Academy, and in 1986, achieved a B.S.A.S. from Andrews University – both Michigan institutions. She then studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for almost a year, negotiating an overloaded portfolio on the subway every morning and evening. Tragically, Missy lost her first husband, Richard Larson, in a car accident nine months after they married. To surround herself with fresh scenery and initiate new memories, Missy relocated to Riverside, California; her roommate Kathy Reed’s boyfriend, Scott Paden, was the only acquaintance Jay had at La Sierra University, so the four of them became a close-knit circle on weekends. Missy and Jay did not experience ‘love at first sight’ – but their friendship grew through conversation, sharing mutual interests. Michelle is survived by her adoring husband, Jay L Brand; brother-in-law, Michael Strohauer; his sons, Jakob James Cody Strohauer and Jesse Benjamin Hunter Strohauer; Jakob’s daughters, Isabel and Ada; Aunt Anne Lee Anderson; and several cousins around the country. Michelle (Missy) was faithful to God, friends & family; devoted, caring, loving; gifted with design, planning, scheduling, cooking, sewing, gardening; a true friend to many she was loved by everyone. We miss her terribly and are impatient for that day when “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ will rise first (Hallelujah!!!). Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service is being planned for the future, please check back for updates. Arrangements entrusted to the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.

Michelle DaVonn "Missy" Brand

November 23, 1963 - July 19, 2026