Marie Isaacs Niekerk Brandfast

Marie Isaacs Niekerk Brandfast

(née Verna Marie Isaacs)

Marie Isaacs Niekerk Brandfast, born February 23, 1963, passed away on November 25, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Marie was the beloved daughter of Troy and Thelma Isaacs and younger sister to Troy Isaacs and his wife Jean, and aunt to Regina Isaacs. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Brandfast. Marie built a rich and meaningful life grounded in enduring friendships and a deeply chosen family.

She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1981 and earned her bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University in 1985, following her teacher, mentor, and high school football coach, Emory Hale, whose guidance shaped her path. Marie later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

While at Austin Peay, Marie met her dearest friend and Alpha Delta Pi sorority sister, Robin Heregis. Through Robin and her husband Bob, Marie became the devoted godmother to Brooke Heregis-Zarr and Katherine Heregis Rumble, whom she cherished and loved as her own.

Marie is also survived by those who shared important chapters of her life, Philip Dortch and Brian Niekerk.

She found great joy in life on the lake and cherished her time on the water. Marie will be remembered for her intelligence, independence, loyalty, and the deep connections she formed throughout her life.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at

Saint Elizabeth's Episcopal Church,

110 Sugarwood Drive,

Knoxville, TN 37934

Interment of her cremains will follow in the church courtyard. All who knew and loved Marie are warmly invited to attend.

"Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Marie.

Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold,

a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming."