Brenda Kay Cowley, age 60, a resident of Summertown, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at her residence.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Heritage Funeral Home in Columbia. Following the service, she was entombed at Maury Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on December 29, 1963, Brenda was the daughter of the late Lanny McCandless and the late Jewell Matthews McCandless. She attended Columbia State Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree. Brenda dedicated her time and energy as a volunteer firefighter in Summertown, exemplifying her commitment to helping others. Brenda found joy in many activities, particularly gardening, tending to her chickens, and being outdoors. She loved mowing her yard, traveling to the beach, and watching traffic pass by. Trips to the beach and Dollywood brought her much happiness and created cherished memories. Brenda was a woman of strong Baptist faith and loved her family unconditionally. She especially treasured the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

Brenda is survived by her son, Zachery (Ashley) Hennessy; daughter, Kiesha (Jackie) Gray; sisters, Rhonda McCandless and Shelia Matthews; grandchildren, Zayson Hennessy, Kaidyn Gray, Alexyss Hennessy, Harley Gray, Weatherby Hennessy, and Cylestia Gray; and three great grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Terry McCandless.

Those proudly serving as pallbearers will be Patrick Clarkson, Jeremy Cothran, Ryan Reynolds, T.J. McCandless, R.M. McKenzie and Scott Vandiver. Honorary pallbearers will include grandchildren and great grandchildren.