Brenda Louise Dearman, 75 of Elkmont, passed away on Thursday, June 15th, 2023, at Huntsville Hospital. Mrs. Dearman was born on December 20th, 1947, in Gilbert, Louisiana, to Allen Edward Smith and Frances Elmyra Chapman Smith.
Mrs. Dearman is survived by her husband James Earl Dearman; children Karen Dearman Alexander (David), Jami Dearman Dickson (Jon), Rickey Dearman (Jennifer), and Justin Dearman (Alissa); grandchildren Jessica Alexander Schuttler (Ryckur), Macy Alexander, Andee Alexander, Cameron Dickson, Mason Dickson, Matthew Nevels, Zachary Dearman, and Sawyer Dearman; great-grandchildren Nolan Nevels and Brighton Schuttler; brother Marion Smith (Ann); and brother-in-law Carlis Coker.
She is preceded in death by her parents Allen and Frances Smith; and siblings Phyllis Coker, Carolyn Smith and stillborn twin.
Brenda loved James Earl. They grew up within 500 yards of each other and knew each other their whole lives. They shared a relationship for approximately 70 years. She loved being able to take care of him for 57 years of marriage. She also loved the Lord and loved to play the piano and violin in numerous churches. All the fulfillment she ever wanted in life was to take care of her family, which she did. She could cook an 8-course meal with nothing in the cabinet. She was an excellent seamstress. She never expected much for herself, but she always gave so much. Her greatest pride and joy in life was to make sure her family was first, and they never wanted, needed, or went without. She never treated anyone in the family differently and always had their own special place in her heart. She taught her children all they needed to know, from pouring milk on cereal, to reading Bible stories, to cooking, and taking care of their own families.
There will not be a funeral service and the family has decided to have a private memorial for immediate family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Brenda’s honor to the Elkmont Senior Center. Checks should be made payable to COA-Elkmont Senior Center and mailed to 29189 Ragsdale Creek Road, Elkmont, AL 35620.
