Brenda Lou Brannen

Our beloved Brenda Brannen of Coldwater, MS departed this world on June 22nd to go to her heavenly home. Brenda was born to the late Norma and James Carter, Sr. in Dumas, Arkansas. Being the second to oldest of seven children, Brenda lived her early years helping to care for her siblings. She married and became a mother of her two daughters, Melissa and Jackie. She took pride in being an excellent homemaker and mother by being active in her daughters’ lives.

She drove a school bus for 21 years in DeSoto County where she cherished the relationship she made with her “bus kids”. Like her mother, Lisa loves her “bus kids”; a legacy passed on. Brenda loved to cook and always made sure no one left her house hungry. The first place her children and grandchildren went upon entering her home was the fridge and snack cabinet. She had a special way of making her children and grandchildren’s friends feel welcomed into her home. She enjoyed taking care of her lawn. Brenda looked forward to doing her “yard work” as she called it. She took great care in mowing her lawn, rather it be pushing a mower or riding a mower. She exemplified her nurturing through her love for flowers. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of gardening with her baby girl, Jackie.

Brenda married Jerry Brannen in August of 2008, adding Jason and Brian to the family. Brenda shared many memories of cruises with Jerry and Brian and an unforgettable trip to Vegas. She always looked forward to her visits with Jason. Jerry and Brenda spent their down time playing extremely competitive card games of rummy. She leaves her love for her sons and Jerry to hold in their hearts forever.

Brenda was a dedicated Mawmaw and Nonni. She treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She embraced every moment with them. She had a vivacious personality and always made everyone around her feel loved. She made friends everywhere she went.

Brenda, Mom, Wife, Mawmaw, Nonni, Sister, Lou Lou, and friend was a wonderful lady and was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength to all that had the chance to meet her or be part of her life.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Brannen. She leaves behind her children, Melissa (Steve) Gilley, Jason Brannen, Brian Brannen, and Jackie (Travis) Moncrief. Her legacy will live on through her grandchildren, Jonathon (Amber) Ellis, Savannah Cook, Riley Jack Cook, and great grandchildren, Karley Green, Kayti White, Lane White, Cambria Ellis, and Sawyer Ellis. She also leaves a host of bonus grandchildren that loving memories were shared with. Brenda leaves a sister, Paula Carter Biggs, and three brothers, Mike Carter, Terry Carter, and James Carter, Jr. She leaves a special friend/sister, Bobby Meritt, that was by her side until the very last breath.

Brenda was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Ashely Ellis White; mother, Norma Mitchell Carter; father, James Herbert Carter, Sr., and two sisters, Diane Carter Mayhan and Doris Wilkins.

Please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Brenda. We will gather together on June 29, 2024 10:00 am at Pate-Jones Funeral Home 4174 Hwy. 51 South Senatobia, MS 38668 to remember her precious life. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00am. Please bring your fondest memories to share with family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda Lou Brannen, please visit our floral store.