Brenda Smith

COOKEVILLE-Brenda Ann Fox Smith, “Mema” as she was called by her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, went to be with her Heavenly Father on May 9th, 2024 at NHC Healthcare with family by her side. She was loved and cared for there with the utmost kindness, grace, and compassion.

Brenda was born in Cookeville, TN to the late E.A. “Pack” and Jo Edith Fox on May 20, 1941. She attended Central High School and graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1963. Brenda was a majorette and proudly led the band for both Central High School and TTU. She was Homecoming Football Queen for TTU in 1960. Brenda never met a stranger and made it a point to get to know everyone around her in any situation no matter where she was.

Brenda Fox met the love of her life, Lowell Smith, in the seventh grade. They “courted” for many years until they married December 1, 1961. Brenda and Lowell were married 49 years and enjoyed traveling together to numerous countries either as a couple or with family and friends. They also loved supporting Tennessee Tech sports and attending games throughout the years. No matter where life took them, they were always together until Lowell’s passing in 2011.

Years later, Brenda married Wiley Gerald Hunter on December 15, 2018. They had known each other many years as friends and then were married for 3 years until Gerald’s death in 2021. They had made plans for the future, but their health did not allow the travels they had hoped.

In her early years, Brenda rode and showed walking horses and won many ribbons. She had many friends in her lifetime and always enjoyed giving more than receiving. Brenda met many of these life-long friends early on when she went to Camp Monterey every Summer.

Brenda was always active in the community. She owned a unique dress shop, Kumberland Korner, in Cookeville during the 1980’s. Her shop was special in that she had “one of a kind items” and bought pieces at market with particular individuals in mind. Brenda’s passion was and has always been clothes and jewelry, not only for herself, but for others as well. She eventually closed her dress shop allowing her to spend more time at home with family.

Later in life, Brenda took a position at UCHRA. She worked with juvenile corrections, which was a challenge, but she always enjoyed making a difference in children’s lives. Brenda worked there until retirement.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, A.E. “Pack” and Jo Edith Fox, aunts: Mrs. Mildred Williams (Ralph), Mrs. Margaret Apple (Charlie), Ms. Marie Fox, Mrs. Johnny Norton (Jack), and Mr. Steve Norrod.

She is survived by son, James Lowell Smith,Jr. (Jim) (Julie) of Cookeville and their children, Cade (Ashley) and Ella, all of Cookeville; daughter, Shannon Hunter (Greg) and children, Matt, Trey (Bri), and Samantha Hunter all of Cookeville and Chase (Kelsey) of Spring Hill; and by great grandchildren, Ava, Aiden, Makenna, Madi, Mathias, Elise, and soon to be born, Graham.

Anyone who knew Brenda, knew she was notorious for being late EVERYWHERE she went, so feel free to pay your respects “just a tiny bit late” out of respect for her.

Honorary pallbearers will be Beecher Hunter, Phil Hall, Randy Hardison, Jimmy Norton, Gary Nash, Don Welch and Bobby Winningham.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Dr. Harold Hunter and Rev. Bill Stone will officiate. Interment will follow at Cookeville City Cemetery. Her family will receive friends Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be made to Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainesboro Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Hooper,Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at hhhfunerals.com