Mrs. Brenda Sue Cole, age 75, of Dalton, Georgia, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Born on April 27, 1949, in Dalton, Brenda was the cherished daughter of the late J.C. and Willie Long Hicks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of twenty-nine years, Charles Jayroe Cole, and her sister, Jeanette Duggar.

Brenda was a proud 1966 graduate of Valley Point High School and served as Chapter Leader of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she made lifelong friendships. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as an executive secretary with BASF before retiring. Her dedication to her work was only surpassed by her devotion to her family and friends.

Brenda was a kind-hearted and loving woman who found great joy in taking care of others. Her faith was central to her life, and she was known for her strong Christian values. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and grace that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Brenda is survived by her son, Jay Headrick, and Carmen Darnell of Dalton, GA; step-children, Greg Cole of Swansea, SC, Charles "Chuck" and Nancy Cole of Hampton, VA, Amy and Victoria Nye of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren, Jessica and David Cervantes, Maci Headrick, Garrett Cole, Shelby Cole, Carson Cole, Breanna Novak, and T.J. Goforth, Kaity and Kameron Sanchez and Jimmy Darnell; great-grandchildren, Mila Cervantes and Milo Cervantes, Kaiser Sanchez and Kayson Sanchez; and her nephew and nieces, Buck and Paula Duggar, Chrissie Moore, and Gina Davis,; special friends, Cha Hansen and April Epperson; caregivers, Sandra Speer, Suzie Lee and Lisa Goforth, along with several beloved cousins.

A celebration of Brenda's life will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel. Her granddaughter, Jessica Cervantes sharing fond memories and Cole Pelfrey speaking during the service. Following the service, Brenda will be laid to rest in the Celebration Mausoleum at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens and Mausoleums. Her family and friends, Jay Headrick, David Cervantes, Michael Izaquirre, Terry Goforth, T.J. Goforth, Chuck Cole, and Jimmy Darnell, will honor her as pallbearers.

Click here to view live stream of funeral

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Wednesday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins.

Brenda's warmth, wisdom, and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721. For more information, please call 706-226-4002 or visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.