Obituary: Brenda Porter
Brenda Porter, a cherished member of her family and friend to many, was born on May 28, 1951, in Fayette County, Tennessee. She departed this life on Monday, November 18, 2024, peacefully at her home in Medon, Tennessee, leaving behind a tapestry of love and warmth woven by her deep connections to her family and friends.
Brenda’s career as a waitress at El Ranchito’s Restaurant is fondly remembered by those who frequented the establishment. Her vibrant spirit and attentiveness made dining there a joyful experience for countless customers. Yet, it was not just in her work but also in her private life that she found her true calling—in nurturing and loving her family.
As a devoted mother, Brenda is survived by her beloved son, Keith Porter, and his wife, Beth of Toone; her daughter, Mendy Reese and her husband, Dean of Waverly; and her daughter, Terrie Sterling and her husband, Bubba of Medon. Her heart swelled with pride and joy, enveloped by the love of her 16 grandchildren and the enchanting presence of 33 great-grandchildren. Brenda loved being around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating the moments of laughter and joy that every family gathering brought with it.
Brenda was not only a loving mother and grandmother but also a sister to Danny Ray Fletcher of Texas, Artie Jane England of Mississippi, and Oneida Carrol Heath of Michie, Tennessee. She enjoyed her hobbies of gardening and crocheting, often sharing her passion with loved ones. Each stitch she crocheted and every plant she nurtured mirrored her gentle and caring nature, and these hobbies allowed her to foster connections to the earth and her family.
Brenda is predeceased by her parents, Wesley Blick Fletcher and Mae Oneater Henley Fletcher; as well as her brothers Ray Dale Fletcher, Billy Fletcher, and Wesley Michael Fletcher. The passing of her great-grandchild, Braxton Lane Wilson, cast a shadow on her heart, yet Brenda’s legacy of love brightly remains.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation at Shackelford Funeral Directors on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in Bolivar, Tennessee from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow at Shackelford Funeral Home at 1 p.m. in Bolivar, providing a moment to celebrate the remarkable life of Brenda Porter—an extraordinary woman whose essence will live on through the generations she adored. The burial will be in the Bethel Baptist Church cemetery near Henderson.
Brenda’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to her unwavering love and kindness that continues to echo in the lives she has touched. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will guide and inspire her family and friends in the days to come. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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