of Conway, AR
August 2, 1973 - February 12, 2026
Brandy Michelle Strain-Dayer, 52, of Conway, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.
She is survived by her loving husband, Leonard ''Len'' Dayer; her parents, Gary Alan Strain and Nancy Strain; her sister, Jackie Strain-Mahar (Tony); her cherished nieces, Gracen Holmes (Caleb) and Jewels Mahar; and her nephew, Major Mahar. She was also a proud and loving bonus mom to Allison Dayer (Ausher Adbo) and a grandmother to her precious granddaughter, Mila.
If you knew her, you know she didn't do anything halfway. She didn't love halfway or live halfway. She was color in a black-and-white world. Bright. Funky. A little bit hippie. Completely and unapologetically herself. She was a mother to her three fur babies, Sooiee, Dutton, and Ozzy. To call them ''just dogs'' would be missing the point, she loved them fiercely, protectively, and joyfully in the best way. She also loved spoiling her nieces, nephew, and grandchild like no other. Brandy was an avid fan of the Hogs, Conway Wampus Cats, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys; she could be found cheering them on loudly and enthusiastically.
But one of the greatest loves of her life was the life she built alongside her sister. Their photography business wasn't just work. It was family. It was legacy. It was something their mother and father started many years ago, something built with heart and hard work and the two of them carried that forward together. Brandy didn't just take pictures, she captured moments people never want to forget. That gift came from who she was. She saw beauty everywhere. In light, in color, in emotion, and in connection.
Brandy had a beautiful balance about her. Creative and grounded. Free-spirited but loyal. A little bit wild with color and style, but deeply rooted in family. Her life was not small. It was vibrant. It was loving. It was real.
A visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Sunday, February 15th at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday February 16th at Cadron Ridge Baptist Church in Conway, with burial following at Crestlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to ArkanPaws Animal Rescue at arkanpaws.org
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43 Condolence(s)
Joe and Norma Turbeville
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Gary, Nancy and Family,
Norma and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Brandy's sudden passing. Although it has been many years since we were in Conway, we remember well her bright smile and inquisitive nature as a young teenager helping you and Nancy in your studio. There is no pain like the loss of your child. May you experience peace that surpasses all understanding during this time of incredible grief...
Joe and Norma
James Mullenax
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Sorry for your loss.
Prayers for your family.
James Mullenax
Bob Barham
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
My deepest sympathy and prayers for this good family. She will be sorely missed.
Glenda D. McNew
Monday, February 16, 2026
Gary, Nancy, Jackie and families,
Christie and I send our condolences and we are sorry for your loss and know you will miss Brandy. The last photo session we had in your studio was when Christie graduated from high school. I believe we ran into Brandy then (2002). May you have good memories of her and celebrate her life in the future!-
Glenda Graham-McNew
Jim Cunningham
Monday, February 16, 2026
Gary, Nancy and Jackie, Your are in my prayers as you grieve. I pray for God to bring you comfort and peace.
Katrina Hawkins
Monday, February 16, 2026
Jackie, so sorry for your and your family’s loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
DEBBY SADDLER
Monday, February 16, 2026
Our prayers for her family - she was always smiling. Many years ago when I took my kids there for photos and she was just a kid helping her Dad and she progressed to the great photographer that she was. God Bless.
Terry and Theresa Brown
Monday, February 16, 2026
Theresa and I send our prayers and condolences to Len and the children, Gary and Nancy and the family at the loss of Brandy. She carried on the legacy of Strain Photography in a mighty way. She will be greatly missed.
Charles chwalinski
Sunday, February 15, 2026
I am deeply sorry for all of the family for the loss of Brandy.
Jane Wardlow
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Prayers of comfort to Brandy's loved ones and entire family. My deepest sympathy for Nancy & Gary.
Tom Erbach
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Very sorry for your loss.
Debra Burge
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Gary, Nancy and Jackie - so incredibly sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Burge Family
Mimi Leland
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Brandy will truly be missed. I was Bugsy's groomer & I loved having long conversations with her about our animals. She also did a beautiful group of photos of my daughters that I cherish. RIP my friend ❤️
Adam Erbach
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Len, Gary, Nancy, Jackie and family. you are all in my thoughts and prayers. She will be missed by all.
Nancy Blake
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A light has gone out in a lot of lives. She will be missed.
susie floyd
Saturday, February 14, 2026
I am so sorry about Brandy. She always took the best pictures of my daughter, Meredith. I will treasure them always. Having lost Meredith 10 years ago, I know what the Strains are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
Cheryl Brady
Saturday, February 14, 2026
So heartbroken for your family. Praying you feel the Lord's peace and comfort. Brandy will surely be missed. I have so many precious memories of her and Jackie growing up. Beautiful young ladies. God bless you all!
Charlsie Castleberry McBride and JimMcBride
Saturday, February 14, 2026
We send our heartfelt condolences to all the family.
Patricia Walsh
Saturday, February 14, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers, God bless each of you in this time of loss,
Diane Henson
Saturday, February 14, 2026
I can not think of a soul who won’t miss Brandy. She was someone you wanted to remember with kindness and love.
My memories take me back to giving her swimming lessons at the UCA pool, Christmas at Seato’s house, evenings at the pool
behind the studio., just to name a few memories. Her photography skills , her Laughter and her smile will be treasures I will hold onto. I’m sure she is taking pictures of all
The saints in heaven at this very moment. You have our prayers and love.
Pete Tanguay
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Brandy - I will miss your contagious smile, your sweet spirit and your live big approach to life. I will cherish the moments we dreamed and got things done together. And together with all the people who loved you, I will remember your life and celebrate your legacy.
Cindy Acuff Gates
Friday, February 13, 2026
Brandy’s dad Gary took the family picture of the Acuff family for years.
I am Cindy Acuff and the year before my my passes my mom gave the 5 Acuff girls a Christmas gift a photography session to have the Acuff girls photographed with mom. Gary was there and Brandy took the pictures . It is hanging in my home in Florida. My most prized position! Thank you Gary and Brandy for loving my mom so much. I am sad to hear that Brandy has gone to a better place. I will always love and treasure the memories.
Love you guys
Cindy Acuff Gates
Vickie Lynn Payne
Friday, February 13, 2026
To Mr. Strain & Mrs Strain and family so sorry to hear about Brandy you have my deepest sympathies and prayers. Love you’ll ❣️🕊️❣️🕊️🙏🏾🙏🏾
Bonnie Aycock rivers
Friday, February 13, 2026
So sorry to hear. Love and prayers for this beautiful family
Sharron Clements
Friday, February 13, 2026
I am so sorry to hear that Brandy is no longer with us. She was such a wonderful and kind person. She will certainly be missed by her family, friends and the community.
Susan McCartney Jobe
Friday, February 13, 2026
I am just heartbroken over the loss of Brandy. Praying for peace and comfort for your family in this tremendous loss. I am so sorry. ❤️
Georgia Clark Ross
Friday, February 13, 2026
I'm so sorry! Prayers for comfort!
Georgia Clark Ross
Friday, February 13, 2026
I'm so sorry! Prayers for comfort!
Mary-Catherine Flanagin Glover
Friday, February 13, 2026
Len, Gary, Nancy, Jackie and family- what a wonderful, beautiful lady. Her smile, she always had time to visit! Sending my thoughts and prayers!❤️
Tom and Nancy Erbach
Friday, February 13, 2026
So very sorry.
Vickey Kirkemier
Friday, February 13, 2026
Brandy and your family has touched my family deeply. Brandy was there for all of my family's big event capturing the moment beautifully and becoming part of our family. This community and are family are going to miss her more than words can be written. We are sending our love and prayers to you all.
Michele Corder
Friday, February 13, 2026
So hard to believe. Brandy was such a beautiful person who was a blessing to all who knew her. Prayers for the family during this incredibly hard time.
Laura & Courtney Holloway
Friday, February 13, 2026
We are so very sorry for your loss. This comes as shock to so many of us with such heartache. She is going to be missed! Sending love to all of you!
Linda Dayer
Friday, February 13, 2026
Brandy, you have always been a beautiful light not just in our family but in so many others you touched. You will be dearly missed. We love you❤️
Margaret Smith
Friday, February 13, 2026
Doug and I are sending our heart felt sympathy. Brandy was always so gracious and personable both in her private and professional life. We will dearly miss her. Praying for her families.
Rickey Gulley
Friday, February 13, 2026
Brandy was such a legend in the world of Central Arkansas Photography.
My family and I will miss her dearly.
John Dayer
Friday, February 13, 2026
She will truly be missed.
Anne Tucker
Friday, February 13, 2026
I truly don't have any words that can describe how sorry I am that Brandy is gone. She loved you all so much and I know that this is a loss that will be felt in her family and our community for forever. I'll pray that God provides even a small amount of comfort to you all in knowing how she was valued and loved in Conway.
Debbie Lyons-Rowell
Friday, February 13, 2026
Sorry for loss of Brandy. My prayers for the family.
Nancy White Reves
Friday, February 13, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Donna Erbach
Friday, February 13, 2026
Len, Gary, Nancy and Jackie and families, you have my deepest condolences and prayers.
Donna Erbach
Julie & Jason Hearst
Friday, February 13, 2026
We are praying for the family. Our condolences. Brandy was a true gem and will be sorely missed.
David & Tricia Moix
Friday, February 13, 2026
Tricia and I send our deepest sympathy to you Len, and the entire extended family. Brandy was truly an awesome person and will be greatly missed by everyone she touched in life.