Ericke Troy Brigham

The irrepressible Ericke Troy Brigham, loving father, husband, brother and dutiful son, left this earth on March 15, 2023 after 57 years of love, laughter and ministry.  Ericke burst onto the scene, the middle son of 5 active boys, born to Brenda Darlene Brigham in Danville, Illinois.  As a child he was curious and humble, a good student, and a seeker of Christ.  He attended Northeast Elementary before desegregation placed him at Lynch Elementary on the outskirts of Danville where he quickly adapted to his new classmates and surroundings.  Later, he attended East Park Junior High and Danville High School, playing football and wrestling all 4 of his high school years.  

Ericke enlisted in the Army, achieving the rank of E4 at Fort Ord in Marina, California.  After his honorable discharge, he traveled around northern California, working as a case manager for troubled youth, and attending classes at both Cabrillo College and later Sacramento State University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.  A trip to Ghana sparked Ericke’s burning desire to start an international ministry serving those in need.

Ericke started his family, traveling one wild December night from Sacramento to Salinas Memorial Hospital to attend the birth of his only son and namesake, Erick Castaneda Brigham.  Two and a half years later, he bestowed his late mother’s name on his new baby daughter, Brenda Gabrielle Brigham.  After settling in Watsonville for several years, he made his way to San Jose, and later, Stockton, California.  Ericke became the proud father of his youngest daughter, Amani Sheree LaDawn Brigham.

Ericke’s children were his highest priority, second only to his relationship with Christ.   He held his young  family together, making the trek from Stockton to the East Bay area to ensure that he spent weekends with his babies.  The family endured the bi-monthly trips, arriving in Stockton to enjoy swimming, movies, picnics and precious time with each other.

Ericke joined Victory In Praise Church in Stockton in 2004 and became a devoted member, working to build the VIP Church mission and vision under the leadership of Bishop Rufus K. Turner and Lady Trena Turner.  He served as an usher, youth leader, minister, Man of Valor,  and project leader.  Ericke’s primary calling was to Pastor and he was elevated to the office of Elder on  May 6, 2012. He was known for his love of Christ, unabashed worship and his willingness to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.  

Eventually, Ericke met, courted and added Sis. Lillaana Camille to the family, entering into the sanctity of marriage on June 6, 2009.  He continued to work in case management, but his heart was with his church and church family.  Many were submerged into the baptismal pool by none other than Elder Ericke Brigham.  Youth in the church traveled on fishing and camping trips with Elder Ericke and his crew.  He lit up the church with his strong, spirit-filled preaching, his flashing smile, his enthusiastic worship and his booming laughter.  He was KNOWN for serving, or “supervising” wherever needed.   

Ericke’s heart for those in need was unparalleled.  He served the unhoused community with VIP’s Hope Dealers Ministry, distributing food, clothing and prayer. He placed himself in danger many times, leading his team into the highways and byways of south and central Stockton to serve the needs of the people according to the example of Jesus Christ.  Once, upon meeting a man without shoes, Ericke took the man's hand and  ministered to him in prayer.  He then bent to his knees, washed the man’s feet and placed his own shoes upon them.

Ericke worked for Everwell in Stockton, taking on the administrative duties for a 40 bed facility in North Stockton.  While there, he received a health diagnosis that shook his loved ones to their core.  He continued on in ministry, prayer and love, even through grueling treatments and constant pain.  Ericke fought the diagnosis for 4 more years before eventually leaving his limited body for a new, unlimited one on March 15th, 2023, just months before his 58th birthday.  Even with the struggle he endured, his caring heart, his love for the people of God, and his joie de vivre (joy of life) will never be forgotten.

Ericke was preceded in death by his father, Elmore Upton and his mother, Brenda Darlene Brigham; and his siblings Vanessa Upton, Clifford Upton and Vinsteel Robert “Bobby” Upton.  He leaves behind his wife, Lillaana Camille Brigham, his children Ericke Brigham,Jr., Brenda Brigham, Amani Brigham, Royalty (Jonathan) Gordon, Princess Fortier, Ebony (Ryan) Coleman and Destiny Fortier; and grandchildren Amaya Coleman, Gianna Gordon, Monroe Gordon, Eliana Coleman, Reganne Gordon, Ryann Coleman, and Josiah Gordon.  His maternal brothers Thomas Rose, Jason (Brigette) Rose, Marcus (Yvonne) Brigham and Denver Brigham; his paternal siblings, Bilal Muhammad, and Hassan Muhammad; and a list of  aunts, uncles, cousins, including Danatra “Notty” Williams, who was closer than a sister, and Celester “Aunt Louise” Brown, to whom he spoke everyday.  He also leaves behind a long list of friends whom he counted as family.

We would like to thank the leadership and congregation of Victory In Praise Church for surrounding our family with support and assistance.  We want to thank Kaiser’s Oncology team and the Stockton Kaiser Infusion Therapy Center family.  We also want to send special thanks to the staff and caregivers at San Joaquin Hospice for their thoughtful loving care and diligence during Ericke’s final months. Thank you to Stockton Funeral Home for taking care of the details for Ericke’s final plans and to one of Stockton’s finest restaurants, Tepa Taqueria, for supporting Ericke in his ministry, in his life and even now in his passing! 

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