Rebecca Grisham Brawner

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of lifelong artist, artisan and designer, Becky Brawner. A constant source of inspiration to her family and friends, she was beloved for her intellect, tenacity and passion for life.

Born in Camden, Arkansas, “Bouncing Becky” quickly distinguished herself as a scamp. The daughter of Ophie Grace Grisham (née) Williams and James Travis Grisham, at age three, Becky once sat in the lap of Elvis Presley…and did not like it. Elvis was the opening act for her Uncle Webb Pierce’s roadshow. A skilled dancer at an early age, Becky was awarded the title of Junior Miss Boat Queen of Calhoun County and later crowned Miss Harmony Grove. Prone to grilling her father’s fishing minnows in the backyard, she further developed her prowess for cooking, gardening, sewing from her fiercely independent grandmothers: Edna Marie and Hattie aka “Hat.” Determined to lead a meaningful, creative life, she earned a BA in Studio Art with a concentration in Printmaking from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. The education prepared her for a successful career in advertising and design.

Becky continued honing her skills in the domestic arts, elevating them into high art throughout her life. A voracious reader, she also loved the many creative adventures with her loving husband of 34 years, illustrator/educator Dan Howard Brawner, including owning a home in Pátzcuaro Michoacán, Mexico for 10 years. Passionate about native flora and fauna, she was a vocal advocate for local everything, wherever she was on the planet. Not that she didn’t enjoy the occasional hot dog at Lowe’s, but at least she knew where it came from…Lowe’s.

An award-winning art director and graphic designer for 40 years, Becky began her career at Copies Unlimited in Nashville. There she was introduced to graphic design, and she excelled at it. She was soon hired as a designer at the prestigious advertising firm, Brumfield-Gallagher where she quickly advanced to senior art director, creating regional and national ad campaigns. She once art directed a photo shoot with President Reagan in the White House. Although personally, she played for the opposing team, she did enjoy the RNC’s per diems. Becky considered Brumfield Gallagher her graduate school. Later, she was hired as Creative Director at Bohan, then Steve Diggs & Friends where she discovered a love of book design. After striking out on her own with Unlikely Suburban Design, she was untethered and at the top of her game. She designed brilliant coffee table books and catalogue raisonné for international artists, art collections and exhibitions for Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Frist Art Museum, Music City Center, First Bank and the Ayers Foundation. Becky Brawner blazed her own trail and elevated the state of design; she made her mark and will be deeply missed by friends and family.

Our Becky is survived by a loving husband, Dan H. Brawner and their cattle dog, Pancho; brother Terry Grisham (Kami), Aunt Mary Francis Lynch (née Williams), mother-in-law Shirley Brawner, brother-in-law Eddie Brawner (Sharon), Sister-in-law Emily Moore, adoring nieces and nephews: Sarah, Daniel, Lindsey, Will, Conner, beloved cousins and her fierce tribe of brilliant lionesses.

Due to venue capacity a celebration for Becky will be limited to those with invitations.