Mrs. Airris Carmine Brand

Life Journey: Airris Carmine Brand “Carmine” she was born on December 15, 1950, in Bessemer, Alabama to Ovelma Gwendlyn and Harold Lee Harris, Sr. Carmine was the middle child, with two younger siblings, Harold and DeBorah and two older siblings Andrew preceded her in death, and Brenda. On June 20, 2001, she married her friend and sweetheart Ray E. Brand, at Peoples Missionary Baptist Church, in Detroit. She was a loving wife and stepmother to Raykiesha, and Tyrone. She was also loving to her mother-in-law, Eula Nicks who preceded her in death. Carmine’s talents and skills were embedded in human service, since a very early age. Our neighbors often requested her assistance with chores, and decorating. She was educated within the Detroit Public School system, and received several skilled trade certifications in collections, insurance, EKG technician, Pharmacy Technician, Legal and Medical Transcription, and Carnegie Institute Customer Service Excellence Award. She was a determined young mother, who wanted the best for her only child. For this reason, Carmine was an overcomer breaking down barriers that stifle African American women. God showed her much favor in obtaining employment with DTE Energy, from a vast hiring pool. She enjoyed working as a Customer Service Representative, and developing significant work relationships and friendships at DTE Energy. Carmine received Christ and was baptized at an early age by Pastor Burt at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. As an adult, she also attended, Friendship Baptist, Peoples Missionary Baptist, and New Liberty Baptist Church. Although, she had stop physically attending church services one of her favorite faith ministers was Peter Popoff. One of her favorite verses is Psalm 107:1 "O give thanks unto the LORD for he is good and his mercy endureth for ever" (KJV), and Phil 4:3 "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." One of her favorite hymns was Blessed Assurance. DeBorah and Carmine sang that song the week she was in Harper Hospital and it evoked deep emotions. She was a giver and contributed often to numerous charities such as St. Jude, the Firefighter and Police Associations, and March of Dimes, and individuals. She also, loved listening to old school jams. Smokey Robinson, the O’Jays, Dramatics, Dells, and Temptations to name a few. She enjoyed watching the home improvement shows, and shopping networks HSN and QVC to glean new decorating ideas.

Mrs. Airris Carmine Brand

December 15, 1950 - August 8, 2017