Brandy Craig English 81 passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at her residence in Granite Falls, NC. Born June 21, 1944, in Martinsville, Virginia, she was the daughter of George Craig and Frances Christine Cooper Craig. She was preceded in death by her mom, dad, husband Allen R. McDaniel, her son Christopher Allen 'Damon' Knight, her sister Joy Haskins and her niece Penny Haskins. She was a fiery and vibrant woman whose presence could light up any room. Known for her beauty, striking blue eyes, and bold spirit, Brandy was truly the life of the party. She
loved her dogs and adored her children, Janet and Christopher, who meant the world to her. She especially loved shopping trips and vacations with her daughter, Janet. Brandy had a generous heart and found joy in giving to others, often shopping for gifts and sharing freely without expecting anything in return. She loved driving fast, living boldly, and doing things her own way. She was also fiercely protective of her family. She was known for taking up for her son, Christopher, whenever he found himself in trouble, knowing his mother and sister would
always have his back. Later in life, Brandy discovered a special joy in being a grandmother. Her grandson gave her many playful nicknames - including "Speed Demon Grandma" - while his friends affectionately called her the "badass grandma," a title she proudly carried through her 60s, 70s, and 80s. As the years passed, life and age gently slowed her down. She retired from Butler's Electric in Greensboro, NC at 62.

Later in life she hated giving up her driver's license, the spark in her blue eyes never faded. She once taught her grandson how to drive, and
as she grew older, he was proud to return the favor. Brandy embraced becoming a great-grandmother to Dreya Marie Walker and Joshua Michael-Jene Jr., loving them just fiercely as she had the generations before them. In many ways, she found herself raising three generations, sharing the same warmth, laughter, and care with her great-grandchildren that she once shared with her grandson. The holidays were among her happiest times. Christmas and Thanksgiving were her favorites, with pumpkin pie as her well-known weakness and her sausage balls
becoming a beloved Christmas tradition for the family. For decades, her mornings were simple and familiar - a cup of coffee and raisin bread, just the way she liked it. In the final months of her life, her great-grandchildren brought a spark back to her that many had not seen in years. They would fall asleep in her lap just as their father had done twenty-five years before, and being able to spend that time with them brought her deep joy and comfort.

She is survived by her daughter Janet Shapiro, son in law Ira Shapiro, grandson Joshua Walker, granddaughter Cristina Walker, great grandson Joshua Michael-Jene Walker JR, great granddaughter Dreya Marie Walker, 4 nephews and 1 niece. Brandy also carried a love from earlier in her life for her husband Allen R. McDaniel- a love she never quite forgot. Now, she is reunited with him once again. Though she held that love close to her heart, Brandy rarely lived in the past and never worried much about the future. Her eyes, as blue as the open sky, were often said to hold an entire universe within them. Now those eyes rest peacefully in the infinity of the Kingdom of Heaven. Her mark will forever live on through the stories, legends, laughter, and tears shared by the family she loved so deeply - the lasting legacy of one of the strongest women many ever had the privilege to know.

A homecoming services will be hosted 2:00 P.M. Monday, March 16, 2025, at Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home in Martinsville, VA., with Director Kelly G. Ratcliff officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park.   The family will receive friends one hour prior to services beginning at 1:00 P.M.

Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home and Burial Park entrusted with arrangements.