BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA
Barbara “Sue” Brands, 83, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Formerly of Columbus, IN, she was a longtime winter resident of Bonita Springs before making it her permanent home in 2017. She was born July 13, 1940, in Owensboro, KY, the daughter of the late James Gilbert and Pauline (David) Harralson. Sue graduated from the University of Kentucky before earning her Master’s in Education at Indiana University. Mrs. Brands worked as a teacher in Louisville, KY, and Columbus, IN, and she retired from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, IN. She was a longtime member of the Fairlawn Presbyterian Church in Columbus, IN, and attended Unity of Bonita Springs Church. Sue was an avid tennis player who also enjoyed reading, walking, and playing pickleball. Most of all, she loved being a mom and was the proud Mimi to her three granddaughters. Survivors include her beloved husband of 60 years, Joseph B. Brands, Jr.; loving son, William J. (Heather) Brands of Miromar Lakes, FL/Frankfort, MI; brothers, Jim G. (Janet) Harralson of Atlanta, GA, John (Elizabeth) Harralson of Lexington, VA; and cherished granddaughters, Lauren Kaylie Brands of Atlanta, GA, Hanna Rose Holmgren of Portland, OR and Hayden Marie Brands of E. Lansing, MI. Funeral services will be private. She will be laid to rest at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Unity of Bonita Springs Church, Special Olympics, Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or MD Anderson Cancer Center. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
