Brenda Brooks Holcombe, of Jonesborough, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the Johnson City Medical Center.
She was born December 28, 1945 in Asheville, NC. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Hazel Brooks, as well as an older brother, Milton Brooks.
Brenda attended college in North Carolina and earned a B.S. Degree in English at East Tennessee State University, graduating with Highest Honorsâ€"Summa Cum Laude. She did graduate work in Elementary Education at Milligan College. Retiring from teaching after 32 years of enjoyable service at Jonesborough Elementary School, Brenda had a very positive influence on hundreds of 4th-grade students’ lives.
Some of the many high points in her life were visits to museums in Italy and the U.S. She loved art, music, literature and her cats.
Brenda led a Christian life and will be so greatly missed as she is welcomed into the arms of her Savior. Her well-earned place in heaven is a testament to the goodness and love that was the constant in her very special life.
Brenda leaves behind to cherish her life and memory, her husband of 52 years, Ellis; two sons, Kent and Marcus; her most-loved grand-daughter, Christian; two older brothers and their wives, Ronald and Sandra Brooks of Atlanta and George and Paula Brooks of Hendersonville, N.C.; a sister, Gail McAbee of Asheville, N.C.; her sister-in-law, Vicky and husband, Joe Dillon, and a brother-in-law, James Quinn and wife Judith, all of Hendersonville, N.C.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 pm Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Jeremy Dykes officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:30-4:00 pm Saturday prior to the service.
Entombment services will be conducted 3:00 pm Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Washington County Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be family & friends.
I was a student of Brenda's at JES, and she will always have a
special place in my heart. She was an unbelievably kind
woman. She took such joy in teaching, and her passion for
English encouraged me to become a writer. For years after I
graduated her fourth grade class, I came to visit her. I am so
sad to hear that she has passed.
I'm sending love and peace to your family.
05/25/2016
Mary Stephenson Taylor
Dear Ellis & family, I'm so
saddened by the news of your
loss of Brenda. I live in
Asheville, N.C. and grew up with
Brenda, as a neighbor, went to
church tomorrow and she was a
bridesmaid in my wedding on
10/9/1964. I have called ,sent
cards and so wanted to stay in
touch but was unable too. I
thank God she is home now, out
of that fleshy body, now well &
I shall see her again someday.
My deepest condolences to all of
you and my prayers.
05/21/2016
Heather Lea Harlan
Mrs. Holcombe was a wonderful teacher to me and blessed my life!
05/21/2016
Teresa Rotella
Losing Brenda is like losing my own mother. She was the reason I wanted to become a teacher. I admired, respected, and looked up to her so much for what she did for others, the many children she taught, and me. I will always have a special place in my heart for her and cherish the time I got to spend with her. I loved her dearly and couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law. I pray for peace for Ellis, the boys, and the rest of the family as they endure this difficult time.
I am so sorry to learn of the death of a former teacher I thought so
highly of. She encouraged me when I began work at JES with a
new grade level. She was so positive with my art projects with the
children. She loved Christian so very much and loved to see what
her art looked like and loved to see her perform in the musicals at
JES. I still have a beautiful Christmas ornament she helped pick
out for Christian to give me that is a cat in a ballet outfit. We both
loved cats and enjoyed talking about our cats. She will be missed.
I can't make the funeral due to making arrangements for a family
funeral for us but I send Christian a hug and say I am thinking
about the rest of the family.
I am so saddened to hear of Mrs Holcombe's passing! Though
neither of my children were privileged to have had her as a
teacher, I always admired her. She was a lovely lady inside &
out. Your family will be in my prayers.
With sympathy and prayers for Brenda's family.
Sincerely, Jean Campbell
05/20/2016
Kristen O'Connor
Sad to hear of your passing. But, rejoicing that
your with the Lord. You were one of the best
teachers my son, Robert ever had. Thank you for
your kindness and love that you showed your
students. Praying for your family at this difficult
time.
05/20/2016
Kristen O'Connor
Sad to hear of your passing. But, rejoicing that
your with the Lord. You were one of the best
teachers my son, Robert ever had. Thank you for
your kindness and love that you showed your
students. Praying for your family at this difficult
time.
05/20/2016
Marsha Garrison
Ellis, I was saddened to see that your wife has passed. I will
be praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.
05/20/2016
Robert, Anne and Libby
We are so sorry for your loss. We are sorry that our physical disabilities make it impossible to attend the services for Brenda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We have many precious memories of the beautiful and sweet Brenda. With all our Love Anne, Libby and Robert
Marcus, I am truly sorry for your loss... Your mom was always
so nice to me.... Praying for you and your family....
