Knoxville, Tennessee
Bristow, Brenda Carter, Harrah’s favorite gold card member cashed in her chips on December 30, 2003. Heaven may have hit the jackpot, but the rest of us have sure lost big.
Brenda loved slot machines, her family, and cooking, but not necessarily in that order.
Brenda’s family gathered to remember her with lots of stories and laughter…. The only way we’d have laughed more is if she had been there.
Brenda’s barbecue ribs and million-dollar pie will be fondly remembered. It’s a shame she didn’t freeze lots of both to feed us at our future family reunions.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2004 at Stevens Chapel. Rev. Russell Dicken and Rev. Tim Sharp officiating. Brenda’s already there, so services will be sure to start on time. Interment will be at New Gray Cemetery following the service.
Her children survived her parenting: Melissa (Jeff) Heiden-Hudson, Darrin Heiden and Jeffrey Heiden. The only grandchildren she could afford: Brittneigh, Tyler and Haleigh. Brenda’s also survived by her prettiest sister, by far, Dorotha Lou (Russell) Dicken, her favorite brother, Ronald Carter; her special friend, Jack and her extended family and gambling buddies, Brenda Noel and Miss Evelyn. The list of people who loved her could go on and on, but Brenda didn’t have the patience for a long story.
Mom, Sis, Awma, Brenda , We’ll look for the pennies and we’ll miss you, but in the words of your granddaughter, “ It’s ok, Awma’s an angel now”.
Family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at Stevens Mortuary, Oglewood Ave. at Broadway
Brenda Carter Bristow’s guest book is also available at www.stevensmortuaryinc.com.
Brenda's life story has made it to Michigan and several of my co-workers have come to appreciate her life. Her family is blessed to have experienced such a wonderful woman.
Mary Straub
January 20, 2004 | Shepherd, MI
It's wonderful to continue to celebrate the life of one so loved after that one has gone on. My family has been criticized for our take on death because we believe in celebration instead of gloom and despair. When our mom and dad died ten years apart, we remembered the good and bad times at their visitations and funerals. Of course, people looked at us like we were loonies because we could smile and rejoice. Yes, we cried tears for our loss but it was mostly in our times alone. What better...
Kelly Bowles
January 19, 2004 | Somerset, KY
I never knew Brenda, but I receive the Knoxville News-Sentinel obituaries online and found hers to be very unique and uplifting. I grew up in Corryton, and wish I had met her when I lived in the Knoxville area. May God bring each of you Peace during your time of grief and sorrow. And, May each of us strive to bring as much pleasure to our loved ones as did Brenda. It's amazing how our lives can be touched by someone we have never met. She is truly one of God's Golden Angels, and I'll bet she...
Tandy Warwick
January 19, 2004 | Nashville, TN
I know your mother was proud and having fun watching the wake at the funeral home. I laughed for the 2 hours thru the visiting hours at the funeral of my husband. Everyone who came thru the line to pay their respects had a funny story to tell re the deceased. I thought it was wonderful to be sent on his way in this manner. I hope my funeral will be a lively one, also. Congrats to the author of the obit. Best one I've ever read!
Phillis Uehlein
January 14, 2004 | Cortez, CO
Brenda sounds like a lady I would have loved knowing. Best of all, she raised a passel of loving, well adjusted kids who knew her and loved her just as she was. No mother and grandmother can ask for more. God bless you, Brenda, and thanks to your family for sharing.
Sharon Alexander
January 14, 2004 | Phoenix, AZ
I Didn't know Brenda but was sent this obit by a friend and I wanted to say I'm sure Brenda will be sadly missed...she sounds like she was a wonderful loving person...GOD surely has a new angel in heaven now.....
P.S. the obit sounded like one my mom would have loved actrully ...Brenda sounds like my mom ..they will have fun in heaven together!!!!
Kathy Emanuel
January 14, 2004 | Richmond, IN
My sincerest colendences to Brenda's loving family and friends.
She sounds like a great person who lived everyday to the fullest but still stopped to smell the roses along the way.
Gertie Dockery
January 10, 2004 | Knoxville, TN
I didn't know you well, but you always brought a smile to my face. You will be missed. Watch over Me-me for me. Your great niece-
Andrea Krukowski
January 09, 2004 | Athens, OH
What a beautiful, loving obituary. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Terry Blanchong
January 09, 2004 | Toledo, OH
