It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of an incredible community leader, Brandi Self, who passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021. She grew up in Waynesville, Ohio prior to attending Maryville College, after which she made East Tennessee her home. Brandi was a devoted wife, loving mother and a passionate educator. She has been described as being "a beloved, irreplaceable pillar of the community.... a leader, a stabilizer and a force of goodness."
She joined Knox County Schools in 1998 as a fourth grade teacher at Mooreland Heights Elementary. In 2016, she was appointed principal, a position she held until her unexpected passing. Brandi's great purpose in life was being an advocate for all students. When asked, what Knox County students needed the most, she responded, "Teachers and administrators who understand the importance of forming connections with students, who continually push them to be the best they can be, and who refuse to give up on them."
She was preceded in death by her father, Bradford Wilson; her caring grandparents, and her brother-in-law, Daniel Self.
She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Chadwick "Bryan" Self; daughter and best-friend, Kenzie Self; mother, Teri Wilson Marconette; father and mother-in-law, Chad and Patti Self; brother, Bryan (Kris) Wilson; sister, Karrie "Becca" (Jacob) Whitsel; nephews, Eli Wilson, Connor and Jackson Whitsel; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and her doodles, Knox "Pita" and Wrigley.
Brandi was a natural caregiver who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her daughter: singing in the car, baking her Mom's grasshopper pie and telling stories on the way to school. Her legacy of love will carry on through the many students and educators that she has impacted in her lifetime.
The family will receive friends Sunday, November 14, 2021 between the hours of 2:00pm until 5:30pm in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 5:30pm with Rev. Aaron Loy officiating. The Service will be Live-Streamed on the Berry Funeral Home Facebook page. Family and friends are invited to share their fond memories of Brandi and sign her online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
For those interested in honoring Brandi's memory and her focus on her students, whom she always championed and wanted the best for, we suggest making a monetary donation to Mooreland Heights Elementary School in her memory. These monies may then be used for materials and projects that will benefit her students.
Mooreland Heights School
In Memory of Brandi Self
5315 Magazine Road
Knoxville, TN 37920
Brandi's life can best be honored by remembering her favorite quote,
"Every child counts, every moment matters."
