Tina L. Brand

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, granny, and friend, Tina Lane Brand, who entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 20, 2026, at the age of 58. She was born on June 12, 1968, in Atlanta, Georgia to Linda Barnette and the late Ronnie McAbee. She was the second of four beautiful daughters.

Although she grew up in Smyrna, Georgia, some of her happiest memories were made in St. Louis, Missouri, a place she dearly loved. It was there, along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, that she spent countless days and nights fishing with those she loved. In accordance with her wishes, her ashes will one day be scattered into the Mississippi River, a place that forever held a special piece of her heart.

She dedicated several years of her life as a school bus driver, a career she treasured deeply. She loved the children on her bus as if they were her own, decorating the bus for every holiday and remembering each child's birthday with thoughtfulness and joy. To her, every child mattered.

Above all else, she was an extraordinary mother. She poured every ounce of love she had into giving her children the happiest life possible. She carefully planned every holiday, every family vacation, every celebration, and every special moment, creating memories that will be cherished forever. Her family was her greatest joy, and there was nothing she would not do for the people she loved.

After suffering a stroke that caused the loss of vision in one eye, she was forced into an early retirement where she spent her days playing her favorite game BINGO with her friends at American Legion Post 192 in Evans, GA. Even through life's hardships, she remained a shining example of strength, resilience, courage, and unwavering faith.

Her greatest love was Jesus Christ. She was saved, baptized, and faithfully shared the Gospel throughout her life. Today, we rejoice in knowing she is in Heaven, whole again, resting in the arms of her Savior. If there is one message she would want to leave behind, it would be this: if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, accept Him into your heart. Her greatest hope was that her loved ones would one day be reunited with her in Heaven. Though her voice has been silenced here on earth, her family will continue sharing the Gospel in her honor and carrying forward the faith she lived every day. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Myrtle and Ben Chapman, father, Ronnie McAbee, sister, Gina McAbee, uncles and aunts, among others who dearly loved her.

She is survived by her mother, Linda Barnette, and her sisters, Dena Velivis and Sabrina McAbee.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Brittany Brand-Harris and Austin Brand, her treasured grandson, Malykai Harris, nieces and nephews, extended family, countless friends, and the many children whose lives she touched during her years as a school bus driver.

Although our hearts are broken, we find peace in God's promise that this goodbye is only temporary. We will remember her laughter, her selfless heart, her unwavering love for her family, and her steadfast faith in Christ. Her legacy of love, kindness, strength, and devotion will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23