Brenda Joyce McElroy

Brenda Joyce McElroy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on December 19, 2025, in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 77. Born on February 5, 1948, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Brenda was known for her vibrant personality and her unwavering dedication to her family and faith. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on December 27, 2025, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, in Tyler, Texas. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her husband at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. Brenda, a strong Christian woman, devoted her life to sharing the word of Christ and spreading His love far and wide. She exemplified kindness and generosity in all her interactions, touching countless lives with her unwavering faith and compassionate heart. A retired secretary from Pryor Public Schools in Pryor, Oklahoma, she dedicated many years of her life to supporting the educational mission with tireless enthusiasm in the Superintendent's office. Her outgoing personality, combined with her caring nature and infectious humor, made her a beacon of light for all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She possessed a unique ability to make others smile and always prioritized the happiness and well-being of her loved ones. Perhaps her signature touch was her penchant for flip flops, which she lovingly called "thongs," a quirk that never failed to bring a giggle from her granddaughter. Among her many passions, Brenda found joy in cooking, becoming famous for her delightful chicken and noodles that family and friends would request time and time again. She shared a love for adventure and the outdoors, participating in fishing tournaments alongside her husband, Bud, with whom she had a deep and loving partnership. Her ability to out fish any man on the lake is a cherished family legend, showcasing her fierce determination and playful spirit. Brenda was also an avid shopper—an activity affectionately dubbed "going to feel fabric" by Bud—and she loved attending movies and traveling with her girlfriends. Brenda took immense pride in her craft of sewing, having sewn clothes not only for herself but also for her children and grandchildren throughout their formative years. The legacy of her love and creativity is woven through every stitch, a testament to the devotion she poured into her family. Brenda is survived by her loving sons, Bret McElroy and wife Susan, and Brady McElroy and wife Milisa. She took pride in her grandchildren: Taylor Barborek and husband Canaan, Sidney McElroy, Kyle McElroy, Carter McElroy, Cameron McElroy, Katelynn Carter, John Fenwick, and Chantel Henry. She also enjoyed the joy of four great-grandchildren, who brought delight and laughter into her life. Brenda’s sister, Cynthia Austin and husband Bill, alongside her sister-in-law Dianne Williams, and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will also hold her memory dear to their hearts. Preceding her in death was her beloved husband, Lowell Bavinger “Bud” McElroy; her parents, Norman and Minnie (Britt) Williams; and her brother, James "Richard" Williams. As we bid farewell to Brenda, we celebrate a life well-lived. Her warmth, laughter, and kind spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of everyone she touched. Brenda Joyce McElroy will be deeply missed but will forever remain an integral part of the fabric of her family and community.

Brenda Joyce McElroy

February 5, 1948 - December 19, 2025