Cathy Crump Brandell

Cathy (Cat) Brandell (n. Crump) of Amherst, VA departed this life October 15 after a

long and courageous battle with scleroderma. Her fortitude was an inspiration to all

who knew her particularly the circle of other sufferers of the disease to whom she was

able to pass on her experience in coping with scleroderma.

Cat is survived by her husband Jack, her sister Linda Bassett (Forrest E.), her nephew

Forrest R. (Paige) and their children Brooke and Blair, her niece Lacy Shirey,

stepdaughter Rachel Brandell-Mayers (Drew) and their children Ottilia and Niles, and

her loving pets Eli and Sadie. She was preceded in death by her Parents Robert C. and

Marilyn S. Crump and her brothers Rob and Kenny.

Cat worked in the metals industry until her retirement and was the only female mill

representative in the nation at the time.

Cat was an active member of Emmanuel Methodist Church in Amherst, serving in

various rolls there including the choir. She also sang in the choirs of other churches she

attended over the years and in the Jefferson Choral Society in Lynchburg, VA. She was

also active in the Amherst Women’s Club. In her spare time she loved making quilts

and the various goings-on with her group of friends known as “The Posse” who’s

members described her as “a rare jewel”. She also loved pink flamingos

The family would like to thank the entire Amherst Community for the love and support

given to Cat during the final years of her battle with scleroderma.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Amherst Women's Club designated for

scleroderma research, to Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Amherst or to your

local humane society. A service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM in Emmanuel

United Methodist Church. Norris Funeral Services - Driskill Chapel is serving the family.