Brianna Nicole McQueen
January 24, 2003 ~ March 21, 2012
Brianna “Bri” Nicole McQueen, 9, Mooresville, passed away on March 21, 2012, surrounded by her loving family in Riley Hospital, Indianapolis. She was born January 24, 2003, in Mooresville, to Steve and Angie (O’Dell) McQueen.
Bri was a third grader at Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Mooresville. With Bri’s courage and classical princess attitude, she bravely fought a fifteen month battle after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. In her nine years she has touched the lives of many. In honor of Bri please wear her favorite color, pink, or “The Loving Bri” t-shirt.
Along with her parents, survivors include her siblings, Rachelle Lucas, Derek Lucas, and Tori McQueen all of Mooresville; maternal grandparents, Steve and Debbie Verhines of Mooresville, Stan and Chris O’Dell of Mooresville; paternal grandparents, Karen McQueen of Mooresville, David and Norma McQueen of Franklin; niece, Jaelynn Lucas; uncles, Ryan O’Dell, Kyle O’Dell; aunts, Jennifer Dietrich, Sarah O’Dell, and Denise Milano; many cousins and loving friends.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2012, in the Church at Mt. Gilead, 6019 E. State Road 144, Mooresville. Calling will be held from 1 – 7 p.m., Sunday, March 25, 2012, in the Mooresville High School South Gymnasium Entrance #8, 550 N. Indiana Street. Burial will take place in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Loving Bri Foundation c/o Community Foundation of Morgan County, Inc., 250 N. Monroe Street, Mooresville, IN 46158. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to continue reading Bri’s lifestory, share a favorite memory, or to sign the online guest registry.
Brianna McQueen
Life Story
The story of Bri McQueen is one of love, sacrifice, courage and strength. Amidst many trials, she brought warmth and light to the lives of many through her life's song. From day one, Bri was a little princess who could light up a room with her radiant smile and infectious laughter which drew others to her side. All girl, and as the youngest, she was indeed the princess of the family. She was well loved and doted upon, and had all things beautiful and the nicest things a princess could hope for. Most importantly, she had a loving family by her side who stopped at nothing to make sure her last days were filled simply with Loving Bri. Although Bri's life story is few in years, it numbers volumes in the lives touched and made stronger by a young girl who absolutely loved the color, pink. Gone too soon, hearts will fondly remember her with love.
Brianna Nicole McQueen entered the world during unsettled times in our nation. The attack on 9/11 and the Iraqi War placed the U.S. in a vulnerable position along with the economy's downward spiral. In the midst of these ever changing times, Steve and Angie (O'Dell) McQueen had much to be thankful for. They celebrated the 2003 New Year with the blessed birth of Bri on Friday, January 24 at 1:17 PM on a cold, Indiana afternoon. With their family now complete, Bri added much joy to the hearts of her loving family. They made their home in Mooresville, Indiana where faith and community was an important part of their lives.
Stubborn from the start, it was that very stubbornness that would see Bri through days of struggle to come. At birth she was a little fighter, and succeeded in her aspiring role as a princess. From the beginning she had the classic princess attitude with a prim and prissy way about her. Quite evident, it was either her way or the highway! She shared a unique bond with her mother from early on, too. Bri spoke with her eyes, even as an infant, and her mom always seemed to know what her special girl needed and wanted. In days to come, it was Bri's eyes that spoke volumes for what her heart held.
Like every young girl who aspires to be a princess, Bri McQueen loved the color pink! Some of her favorite things included dancing, playing dress-up, putting on high heels, and wearing flip-flops. The youngest in her family, she was well loved and doted upon to her heart's content. Her room overflowed with the nicest things and reflected her girly-girl 'pink' flair. The youngest of four siblings, she was raised alongside her brother, Derek, and sisters, Rachelle and Tori. Even though Tori was just over ten months older than Bri, Tori took on the role as Bri's protector.
Quite often when Bri ran off to play she could later be found by the bookcase with a stack of books she had already read piled high. She loved to read and her thirst for reading was rarely quenched. Always by her side and treasured was her toy poodle, Daisy, and their black lab, Shadow, whom she occasionally called, 'Pea Brain'! What princess story wouldn't include dragons? Bri also cherished her two bearded dragons named Felix and Fiona, as well as her white goldfish named Oscar. As a third grader at Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Mooresville, Bri shared many friendships. She was well liked and her fun-loving ways were a delight to those who called her friend. During this important and formative time in a young girl's life, Bri's life and that of her family was forever changed.
After suffering from what was thought to be a upper respiratory infection, she began showing symptoms over the following weeks which were cause for concern. After being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Bri bravely fought a 15 month battle with courage equipped with her undeniable princess attitude. Throughout this time, everyone, including children, were drawn to her and her fight for life. The entire community of Mooresville and beyond provided the strength of prayer and unconditional, loving support to Bri and her family through fundraisers, meals, and more. With faith as their guide, Bri's parents never left her side throughout the highs and lows of her illness. It was never easy, most importantly for Bri, who struggled with relentless procedures, and for her parents who watched as their princess endured so very much.
One of Bri's most exciting times included the day the black limousine came to her family home to pick them up for the ride to the airport. The look on Bri's face was priceless! Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, she and her family were able to enjoy a trip to Disney World where all dreams come true. They also took her to prom which was a time to remember. Until last October, Bri was able to attend school for at least half days. When she was no longer able to go to school, her teachers volunteered their time by tutoring her at home.
Bri's story began with a fight and ended with a battle of a lifetime. In the nine short years of her life, she touched the lives of countless people, not only through her illness, but through her sweet spirit and deep, heartfelt ways. She was a precious gift, if only for a short time. Diagnosed 15 months to the day her journey ended, Brianna Nicole passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 surrounded by her loving family at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.
Friday's child is loving and giving, and Bri's life was a testament to that very fact. With tomorrow's not meant to be, she is now resting in peaceful dreams and is once again the young, playful princess from days gone by, and forever remembered. Wise in many ways, Bri, above all, felt love's warm embrace from all who journeyed with her family in Loving Bri.
Along with her parents, Steve and Angie, Bri is survived by her siblings, Rachelle Lucas, Derek Lucas, and Tori McQueen, all of Mooresville; maternal grandparents, Steve and Debbie Verhines of Mooresville, Stan and Chris O’Dell of Mooresville; paternal grandparents, Karen McQueen of Mooresville, David and Norma McQueen of Franklin; niece, Jaelynn Lucas; uncles, Ryan O’Dell, Kyle O’Dell; aunts, Jennifer Dietrich, Sarah O’Dell, Denise Milano; many cousins and loving friends.
In honor of Bri and to celebrate her life, please wear her favorite color, pink or “The Loving Bri” t-shirt to her funeral service to be held at 2:00 PM Monday, March 26, 2012 at the Church at Mt. Gilead, 6019 E. State Road 144, Mooresville. Calling will be held from 1–7 PM Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Mooresville High School South Gymnasium, Entrance #8, 550 N. Indiana Street. Burial will take place in White Lick Cemetery, Mooresville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Loving Bri Foundation, c/o Community Foundation of Morgan County, Inc., 250 N. Monroe Street, Mooresville, IN 46158. Please visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Bri and to sign her online guest registry.
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Darlene sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Karen sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Steve and Angie and family- I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I’m praying for you and am confident God will see you through this. Much love to you and to all your family– Tony West
I miss u Bri!!!
Bri, I there are some things that will never be extinguished, like your amazing smile and love that your parents, family and friends have for you. Please wrap your arms around them and help give them comfort….God Bless you sweet child……. Nancy
To the McQueen family, Brianna has touched so many lives during her struggle. Please know her illness was not in vain. You allowed the community to share in your struggle and to love your little girl. Though we have never met I pray God will be with you. Sheila Bishop.
Angie, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hannah And Haleigh Beasley sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Madisyn Meyer And Family sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Haleigh And Hannah Beasley sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Haleigh Beasley sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Candice Murphy sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Madison Murphy & Family sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
Steve and Angi, My heart breaks for you. Saying I am sorry does not even express my feelings for you. Your precious one is an Angel watching over all of you now. May God keep you and bless you. Love you, Paula Baker
Diana Gaskin sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
ll. Don & Jan Mansfield
Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
don’t you mean OUR ??
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Prayers are with you and your family. Ann Olson and family….
Praying for you and your family. Anita ,Jeff and Michaela Brown
Anita Goodwin Brown sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
You are constantly on my mind. May God comfort you all during this time in your life. Love Stephanie McQueen Gilles
Oh, my sweet precious princess. I did not want to say good-bye,but you are in the most beautiful place there is. God now has one of the most beautiful angels. You can run, play and do all the things you haven’t been able to. You will always be in my heart. I will always love you!
She was more brave in her 9 years than I think I ever could be. Such a beautiful little girl and spirit. She was an encouragement to everyone that knew her/her family and her story. I hope they find peace soon and are surrounded by the love that everyone had for this precious little girl.
Bri Angel – you inspired a town to come together as a community, you have inspired your classmates to come together and help the hospital, you have shown many around you that strength and God’s love will get you through anything! Peace be with your family and friends and may the wind always be under your precious wings!
Susan Boyd sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
My Heart goes out to you all !!! Im so Sorry to hear this.. God Bless Everyone…
Bri, All I can keep thinking about is coming to visit your mommy when she was working at O’dells, and you and Tori would be running around laughing and playing or sitting and watching cartoons. There was not a time I saw you that you didn’t have the biggest smile on your face. I am more than proud to tell people that your my baby cousin, and one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You achieved amazing feats in the short time we were blessed with you. You rallied a whole community around you, with just the power of your beautiful face and spirit, and most importantly you taught us all that no matter how rough or hard the battle, you look it straight on and keep fighting. Such a mighty, powerful order filled for someone of a mere 9 years old. I hope you are enjoying your pink castle in the heavens. I love you Princess.
What a unbelievable loss. But hold on to each other with love and memories of a Beautiful little Angel. Love and prayers to you all. Kathy and Terry Vergon
I know that Brianna is in a better place now without pain, but it does not erase the pain of losing her to Heaven. I am thinking of you and praying for God’s strength to help you through this time.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Brianna’s passing. She was such a delight, Carrie loved having the girls come over to check out the candy dish and I know Mom is there to welcome her to the new ‘neighborhood’. You are all in my prayers. Sharon Hunter
Heather and Family, so sorry for your loss. I will wear pink at home on Monday in Bri’s honor. Nora O’Brien Co worker of Heather
Brandy Sawyer sent a virtual gift in memory of Brianna Nicole McQueen
i love you biranna i miss you you touched me and inspried me and truly if you had not fought i would have never done the things i did without you
Sweet, sweet Bri, you brought so much joy to so many people, I know you will be missed terribly by everyone that eve came in contact with you, Fly high little angel…..Love you, Aune Lennie
There are no words… Wishing you peace and comfort in the coming days
Steve, Angie and family, you have touched so many lives during your struggle. Please know that Brianna’s illness was not in vain. You brought an entire community together and strengthened the faith of so many people. You allowed so many people to share in your crisis and to love you. As a friend, I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain. As a mother, I cry for your suffering. As a christian, I struggle to trust. As a believer, I put my faith in God to hold you and get you through this. All of our love, The Kersey family (Lee Teater)
I was thinking about one day that several people were over swimming and the girls all came in the house. After a while we came in to check on them and they were all dressed up in Gracie’s princess dresses. I remember taking a picture of them. That image of Princess Bri in her princess dress keeps coming to my mind. She has always been a princess. You and Steve have been such an inspiration to me thoughout these last several months. I would like to think if I had such a trial in my life I would be be as strong in my faith as you two. I guarantee many lives have been changed because of your family. Thanks for sharing Princess Bri with us. She will be missed by all but we rejoice in knowing she is in heaven, singing and dancing! Sending love and hugs!!!
my family is always praying you all of you. You have been sucha Really Special Angel watching over her family. Bri Fly High over your family with your Princess Angel wings. We All love you. Thank you so much Sweet Angel for being so brave and special to all of us. You will always be in our hearts. Shawnda, Eric, Sarah, Adam, and Eric Schluessler and Freda Scott