Brittani Clay Estes

Brittani Clay Estes received her wings on December 1, 2020 when she was called to her heavenly home. She fought a courageous battle with cancer and her final days were spent at home surrounded by family and friends that Brittani had lovingly touched. Brittani was born on May 1, 1992 and words cannot truly capture the love her parents had for her. To say she was the apple of her parents’ eyes or the love of their lives would be insignificant as she was the source of immeasurable joy for her parents, a very precious treasure. She¬¬¬¬¬ was raised in a loving, nurturing, Christian family with parents that demonstrated great faith in God and the importance of a strong work ethic. She followed the examples they lived. Brittani accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Pastor Curtis A. Herron at Zion Baptist Church. As a youth she was a very active church member; participating in Sunday School, Junior Ushers, Praise Dance and the Youth Choir. She occasionally would play a piano performance and her mother was elated when at a very early age she learned the Beatitudes and recited them to her. As her mother says, “she was a good girl.” Brittani was a graduate of DeLaSalle High School where she participated in cheerleading for football and basketball; and Competitive Cheerleading. She graduated from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with intent to become a criminal defense attorney. Upon graduation she took a bold leap and relocated to Florida. Although she was miles away, she talked to her mother multiple times a day. She knew her mother was ALWAYS there. Friendships were very important to Brittani. She was an extremely loving and caring person that loved her friends and valued those relationships. When she would come home to Minnesota, her schedule was packed spending times with friends and making great memories. She and her friends enjoyed shopping, amusement parks and movies. If it was a tearjerker, even better. Brittani loved music and she “loved, loved, loved” Chris Brown. She liked to travel and enjoyed many road trips with friends and family. Brittani also loved clothes and shopping; she was a real “fashion nova” and her mother ensured that her passion for fashion was fulfilled. Brittani truly treasured her birthday and would always do something really special on her birthday. Friends said she thought it was or at least it should be a national holiday. Although friends were important to Brittani, family was the center of her life. She loved her brother, Myles, and was a fierce protector of him. When her father was ill, she was emotionally supportive to her mother and father. The love she had for her mother, who she lovingly called ‘Mama’ was unquestionable. Her desire was for “Mama to be happy”. Brittani leaves to mourn, yet cherish her memory: her loving and devoted mother, Mrs. Richard (April) Estes; biological mother, April Leanne Estes; brother, Myles; two aunts Mildred Brown, Louisville, Kentucky and Margie Estes Wright; “Uncle” John (Joann) Buford; Godmother, Lisa Estes; Godfather Tracy (Cynithia) Wesley, Sr., best friend Ashley Boone and numerous cousins and close friends. She was preceded in death by her father, whom she affectionately called “Poppa”, Richard Clay Estes; brother, Kenneth Leon Estes; Uncles Fred (Earline) Estes, Meldon Wesley and Hayes Thompson; Aunts Carrie Donnelly, Francis Murrell and Barbara Ruth Wesley. Scholarship Fund The Xerxes Avenue Block Club (neighbors of Mrs. April Estes) have established a scholarship fund in memory of Brittani Estes at DeLaSalle High School. All funds will be designated to assist African-American youth with educational expenses (fees, tuition) in their educational pursuit at De LaSalle High School. You may make a donation online by going to:  www.delasalle.com  Select “Donate”  Select “Tribute Gift” - “I would like to make my gift in honor of someone”  Check this Gift is “In Memory of”  Type in Brittani Estes  Complete the requested information, debit or credit card accepted OR checks may be sent directly to: DeLaSalle High School One DeLaSalle Drive Minneapolis MN 55401 In the memo section – indicate “In Memory of Brittani Estes” Acknowledgements With sincere appreciation the family of Brittani Clay Estes acknowledges the many comforting expressions of sympathy and support during this very difficult time. Special thanks to the staff at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital and North Memorial Hospital. A very heartfelt thank you to the Oncology Department at Abbott-Northwestern, especially Dr. Stuart H. Bloom and Becky Tukua, R.N. May the Lord Bless each and every one of you.

Brittani Clay Estes

May 1, 1992 - December 1, 2020