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Brenda Burchfield Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Brenda Scalf Burchfield, age 74, Knoxville, formerly of Chuckey, the South Central community, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at UT Medical Center. She was a retired elementary school teacher for 34 years; member of West Hills Baptist Church, in Knoxville; member of American War Orphans Network, and was an organizer for her father's 455th Anti-aircraft Unit including the erection of a monument on the airfield where they served in Watton, England. She was a graduate of Washington College Academy and East Tennessee State University. As a lifelong educator, she supported teacher organizations at Midway Elementary in Jonesborough, TN, Rock Ledge Elementary in Coco, FL, Corryton Elementary in Knox County, Lansing Michigan School District, Cedar Bluff Elementary, Blue Grass Elementary, A. L. Lots Elementary, all in Knox County. She enjoyed traveling in Europe where she met many friends with whom she kept in contact.
Survivors: husband of 52 years, Dr. Sam Burchfield; two daughters and a son-in-law, Christina and John McSwain of Knoxville, Dr. Brittany Burchfield of Decatur, GA; grandchildren, Will McSwain, Morgan McSwain, Mary Claire McSwain, all of Knoxville, Landon Amorine of Decatur, GA; special family members, Judy Scalf of Jonesborough, Billy Scalf of Chuckey, Sandra Smith of Greeneville, JoAnn VerWiebe of Chuckey, whom she thought of as sisters; several other special cousins and friends in the South Central community. She was the daughter of the late Drew and Ruth Jones Scalf.
The funeral service will be conducted at 5:00 p.m., Saturday at West Hills Baptist Church, 409 N. Winston Road, Knoxville, TN 37909. The family will receive friends 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the church preceding the service, Rev. Drew Prince will officiate. The family will receive friends Sunday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Casi Full Gospel Church, 372 Cassi Road, Chuckey, TN 37641, with interment following at Liberty Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Jim Fields officiating. Pallbearers: John McSwain, Will McSwain, Dr. Bob Overholt, Bob Calloway, Rodney Franks, Garland Wilson, Tommy VerWiebe and Austin Brown. Honorary Pallbearers: Clay Brown, Ray Smith, Sammy Fox and Ronnie Brown. Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the Burchfield family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Brenda Burchfield
Velvet Buehler
March 5, 2016
Hi ! My best professor.. My mentor.. I miss you and your chair to talk. I teach on Fridays and always say... Just like you.. Gentle Friday... Let them go early from class. I love you. I remember Brenda being so loving and sweet and smart and welcoming...I love you dr. Burchfield. I'll call you every gentle Friday because you and Brenda are important to me... You can answer .. I'll talk .. Or you don't have to answer.. And you'll know I lov ya
Stephanie S
February 27, 2016
Dr Brittany B. Your in my prayers. We can talk anytime I know how you must be feeling right now. I know YOUR MOM IS ALWAYS with u. Thank u Burchfield family for a fine teacher. A set of Drs and for being such a positive effect on all those around you. Love u. Stephanie S.
Lisa Cunningham
February 16, 2016
Sam thank you for the light you and Brenda have shone on my life and my family. I send you love and hugs.
Sam Causton
February 15, 2016
Going to miss you auntie Brenda Burchfield you were such a wonderful person. . All our love sam, chloe, Ben and Ryan. Xxxxxx (England)
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Leslie Jolles
February 15, 2016
Dr Burchfield..I am a grad student from many years ago. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Stacia Davis Freeman
February 14, 2016
Sending love and hugs to you Sam! Brenda was a bright light and I know will be sorely missed.
Helen Jay
February 11, 2016
My family and I were so sad to hear of Brenda's passing. My dad, Carl Campbell, my mom,Serena and my brother, Tim went on the trip to UK for the memorial dedication. My dad served with the 455th. Over the years I heard so many good things about Brenda. I live in Washington state and never got to meet Brenda but feel that in a way I had met her through the stories from my family who got to share great memories in the UK and also, the Army Reunions. She was an extraordinary person who will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by many. God bless her family with the good memories and God's comfort. Helen Campbell Jay, Buckley Washington
Amy Boling
February 10, 2016
We are so sad for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. May God grant you peace and love. The Bolings
Cherese Brooks
February 9, 2016
To hear of this sad news broke my heart both Sam and brenda mean alot to me and always missed them. Auntie b was not only my best friend my auntie but she was like a sister full of life ready to take any challenge and always very supportive. She not only be remembered for her love she gave but that beautiful heart and smile she had. I LOVE her so much and miss her but know that she is walking in to the spirit with her mother and father and that would make her happy. My condolences go to all the family and friends at this hard time. A candle and a song has been sent to brenda and I'm sure she got it. She looked after me very well and send her love and peace at this time. With all my heart I love and miss her dearly she meant alot to both myself and my family.
Rickie Heifner
February 9, 2016
In the forty years that I have been a hair stylist, I have never had a sweeter, kinder, more generous client then Brenda. She was a wonderful loving mother and grandmother. My heart breaks for all those that will no longer have her around and I will always miss her. I loved Brenda.
Kimberly Bastian Berger
February 9, 2016
Dr. Burchfield, I wanted to send my sincere condolences to you and your family. Know they you and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Raymond Hall
February 9, 2016
Thank you for your friendship over the years Brenda we will miss you dearly, from your friends across the seas Florence in the Philippines and Ray in the UK.
Sam, Christina & Brittany our prayers are with you and all your families at this difficult time..
We will always remember that lovely smile Brenda
Raymond Hall
February 9, 2016
Kathryn Framtz
February 8, 2016
Precious Brenda! She came twice to McPherson and Lindsborg, Kansas to speak and share with the 35th Infantry WWII Division. Andrew, her father, was a member of E Co, 137th Inf. My husband, S/Sgt.Carl J. Frantz was Andy's Platoon Sgt. when they went to England,then to St.Lo, France.
Every eye and ear did not leave her dear face while she spoke to these heroes. We kept in touch through the years. The 35th Org. still is active. I will send the obituary to the 35th Division publication. There are many from following years who will remember her. My heart is deeply touched, my prayers are with her family.
~Kathryn Frantz
Lisa Vineyard, CVICU
February 8, 2016
Thinking and praying for each of you during this difficult time.
Florence Hall
February 8, 2016
May your soul REST IN PEACE. Goodbye my dearest friend Brenda thank you for the friendship Me and Ray will miss you. You are now an angel and we know you are happy with God hands.
Jeff & Beth Coleman
February 8, 2016
The service for Brenda was beautiful. Pastor Prince called her an "artist", and I couldn't agree more. I remember many stories about her photography, decorating and travel. She was truly an "artist" in the way she saw the world and was a go-getter and lived life fully. I am so sorry for the loss of this very special person. Sam, Christina & Brittany... we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Our sincere condolences.
John Smith
February 7, 2016
Dr. Burchfield, I can not begin to fathom the depth of your grief, but I sincerely hope the love and support of your family will comfort your saddened heart.
Sally Brooks Meadows
February 7, 2016
Dear Sam, Having just learned of Brenda's passing through an ADPi network, I wanted to send my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Kay Humphries
February 7, 2016
Sam-so sorry to hear of Brenda's passing. She was a lovely woman. Ed and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Kay Hood Humphries
February 7, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Burchfield family. I wss blessed to teach with Brenda many years agao Cedar Bluff Intermediate School.
Phoebe Alsip Sutton
February 7, 2016
Brenda Scalf-Burchfield eulogy
I write here to express my condolences to Sam and family on the passing of my beloved American WWII Orphans Network (AWON) sister, Brenda Scalf-Burchfield.
Brenda and I first shared our thoughts on fatherlessness on line in May 2000 and continued communicating over the years via Facebook until her recent operation.
She wrote of discovering the uniqueness of her father, PFC Andrew Scalf who was KIA on February 27, 1945 in amongst other things that Drew wrote letters in purple and red ink.
She also wrote in glowing terms of her Dutch brother Adry Weijenburg who adopted her father's grave in Margraten Cemetery.
I wanted you to know that Brenda and Drew will mentioned in special candle lighting ceremony, which will take place at the AWON Conference on the Freedom of the Seas during a Memorial Service on November 3, 2016, ironically one day after what would have been Brenda's 75th Birthday.
May her memory be a blessing.
Sam-I-am AKA the other Sam Tannenbaum
February 7, 2016
Sam,
Jan and I are very sorry for your loss of Brenda. You and Brenda were a special couple,always watching our for each other. We are hopeful you are comforted by the many memories of your relationship with Brenda. She was a good dedicated educator, wife and mother.
Sincerely, Carl and Jan Asp.
Jurgen Mingels
February 7, 2016
Brenda Scalf Burchfield was for me an "Angel on Earth". At Christmas 2005 Brenda gave me the most beautiful Christmas gift in my whole life. She brought me into contact with Phyllis Marcy Hughes. Phyllis is the daughter of Hubert H. Hughes, a WW Two soldier who takes his life for our freedom, just like Brenda`s father, Andrew J. Scalf. Both heroes are buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, the Netherlands. At that Christmas time in 2005, we had owing to Brenda the first contact with the family of Hubert Hughes. I am the adopter of Hughes grave (http://www.adoptiegraven-margraten.nl). It was a very special moment in my life; at that point my life changed completely.
From the very first moment, my wife Rini and I (Jurgen Mingels) felt a special bond with the Hughes family, Brenda`s family and with time also with other American families as the American War Orphans Network.
We now have many good friends across the Atlantic, it's just that we have a bigger family. Our special bond is sharing and honoring living in peace and freedom.
We will miss Brenda sorely. She will have always a place in our hearts, and we will never forget her. She is now an "Angel in Heaven", God is blessed with her.
Kim Chaney (Thomas)
February 6, 2016
To my dear friend and old college roommate Brittany, Sam and Christina- words can not tell you enough how sorry I am for Brenda's untimely passing. I know she is in heaven- watching over all of you with her beautiful smile. She is so very loved and she will be greatly missed. I love you all and stay strong.
George Hazel
February 6, 2016
Although we never met in person, we did get acquainted through AWON. For that I am very grateful. To me, Brenda was always a breath of fresh air. I am deeply saddened to learn about her departure from this world. But at the same time I am rejoicing, knowing that she is in the presence of her Lord. There is a song that I love to sing titled "look for me, for I will be there too". So, Brenda keep looking for me for someday I will be there too.
Stephanie Speckhart
February 6, 2016
Dear Sam,
I was so saddened to hear of Brenda's passing. Although I only met her once during the time I was working on the house next door, I could tell she was a very smart and vibrant woman. Reading about her interests and accomplishments it is apparent she was a remarkable person. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Speckhart
Christy Mahoney
February 6, 2016
Brenda touched so many, many lives young & old in such a special, loving manner. She was passionate about education and being kind to everyone! Rest in peace sweet lady...
February 6, 2016
Sorry to learn of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Bill and Beth Burchfield Hall
Johnson City, TN
Janice Ott-Buterbaugh
February 6, 2016
My heart goes out to you in the loss of your beautiful wife, mother and grandmother. Brenda will always be remembered by her American World War 11 brothers and sisters.
Brenda at her father's gravesite in the Netherlands
Jim Chandler
February 6, 2016
Brenda and friends in England, June 2000
Jim Chandler
February 6, 2016
Jim Chandler
February 6, 2016
What a shock last night to learn of Brenda's passing from one of our 455th AAA Bn. veterans. I worked with her at 455th reunions in Nashville, TN, and at the memorial ceremony in Watton, England in June 2000, where (very much thanks to her and the wonderful folks living in that area of England) we were able to unveil a statue to the 455th AAA. She was such a go-getter and great organizer. God bless her. She is with her parents again. We will not forget you, Brenda!
Carol Schappel
February 6, 2016
My daughter and I knew Brenda from ALOTTS Elementary. Madeline and I were so sorry to hear of her loss so early in her wonderful life. We will always treasure her memory as the best teacher ever and will hold the memory of her Burchberry Award a little closer now!
Jerry and Vina McIntosh
February 6, 2016
Dear Sam, Brittany and family, We are deeply saddened by your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat Ball Morrison
February 6, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to Dr Burchfield & Family on our beloved AWON sister's passing. May you be comforted knowing how loved Brenda was by so many people.
Stefan Arnold
February 6, 2016
I am verry sad to hear Brenda passed away, a huge loss. Best wishes to Sam, the childeren and family.
February 6, 2016
Vicky and Nigel Tooth remember the good times in England.
Love to all the family.
samantha causton
February 6, 2016
So sad you have gone up to heaven to soon.You were an amazing lady and I truly adored you, I'm so thankful that we were all reunited together you made my dad so happy to find that he had another sister.Your father Andrew James scalf (grandad) has you by his side now Until we meet again sleep tight auntie Brenda Burchfield. Rip xxxxx
February 5, 2016
Brenda's beautiful spirit, her smile and her cheerfulness will live in our hearts. She was a dear friend and fellow AWON sister. I know you will all miss her terribly. I am so sorry for this sad loss of your wife, mother and grandmother Adrian Caldwell, Tupelo MS
Kathie Schuler Hobbs
February 5, 2016
My symphany to the family. AWON sister, Kathie Schuler Hobbs.
Bea Myers Redmond
February 5, 2016
Dear Dr. Burchfield,
I was saddened to hear of your wife's passing today. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
I still remember the day that you called me in Colorado when my dad passed away while I was in graduate school. Your words brought me peace. May the thoughts and prayers of family and friends bring you peace at this difficult time.
Tatum Young
February 5, 2016
May you Rest In Peace knowing your Father and being we him and his love. You will be remembered always for such caring love. Thank you for always being there for each of us in AWON.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Tatum H. P. Young, Only Daughter of 1st Lt. Lee M. Happ, Jr., USMC
KIA June 28, 1944, Island of Saipan
Patricia Gaffney-Kindig
February 5, 2016
My sincere sympathies to the family.
From an AWON sister
Margraten 2015
Barry Barr-Finch
February 5, 2016
Dear Burchfield family, although we never physically met, Brenda and I shared a common connection through AWON and Face Book. I had the good fortune to visit Margraten and have a photo take next to her father's grave which I sent to her. She was a bright, warm and lovely women through and through. Her enthusiasm showed forth in her face book postings. It was always such a pleasure to see her smiling happy face. She is with her parents now and in the ever lasting arms of our risen Lord, but those of us who are left behind are saddened by our loss.
Barry Barr-Finch, Seattle
Adry Weijenberg
February 5, 2016
We will never ever forget you Brenda. We will cherish those beautiful memories of the time we spent together in Europe and in TN. You loved the mountains and the people who live there. You showed us around your home area and the places your family grew up. We showed you the area where your dad was KIA and is buried. We had and will maintain a special bond. We will never forget you! On behalf of all the Weijenberg family and Angela Vanweersch I want to express our deepest sympathies to Sam, the children and grandchildren whom Brenda was so proud of. It was a privilege to have known and met Brenda.
February 5, 2016
God Bless you Dr Burchfield!
Sally Stanbery Bright
February 5, 2016
Dr. Burchfield and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Praying God will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Susannah and I often talk about you and how much we both admired you and your obvious love for your family.
Jennifer Ward
February 5, 2016
I'm sending love and prayers for all of you. How blessed I am to have had a friend of the soul!
Caroline Benedetti
February 5, 2016
Dr. Sam Birchfield (Neighbor/ Friend),and family,
I am so sorry to here about the loss of Linda.Know that you and yours are in my thoughts, heart, and prayers.
Caroline Benedtti
February 5, 2016
Dr.Sam Birchfield (Sam, My Neighbor and Friend), and Family,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Linda.Know that you and yours will be in my thoughts,love and prayers. Caroline Benedetti
Pat Black
February 5, 2016
On behalf of the Black family, our deepest sympathies and continued prayer for God's abiding love to surround you during this difficult time.
Ken & Kathy Black
February 5, 2016
Brenda you will be missed! Deepest sympathy to the Burchfield family
Brenda Kightlinger
February 5, 2016
Margraten kid, AWON sister, facebook friend; you are missed, and I pray God comforts your family.
Jody Dickens
February 5, 2016
On behalf of all The Dickens family we hold you up in prayer so sorry for your great loss
Jody Dickens
February 5, 2016
On behalf of The Dickens Family we hold all of you up in prayer so sorry for your great loss
Brooks Family
February 5, 2016
It is with deep sadness that we have to say good bye to our dearest Brenda whom loved everyone and everyone loved her.
condolences to all the family and indeed her many friends. We will miss that everlasting smile. She now walks the path with her dear mum and dad. May God Bless her.
February 5, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Billie Berry Whitney
February 5, 2016
Gosh Sam, I am so sorry. You were blessed with a really great marriage with a really great woman. Love, Billie
February 5, 2016
Dr. Burchfield, I was saddened to learn of Brenda's death. My thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family.
Cornelia Sellers
Neighbor--Knoxville, Tn.
Connie and Wayne Viers
February 5, 2016
A candle is lit - in memory of this most wonderful woman. Her smile will always shine in our hearts.
Connie Viers
February 5, 2016
On behalf of the late Lt. Col. Charles Field, Battery C of the 455th, and Barbara Field, heartfelt condolences are sent. I am sure that after Brenda hugged her mother and father in Heaven, that long line of 455th men were waiting for their hugs also.
Connie, Wayne, Amber and Audrey Viers
February 5, 2016
Our deepest sympathy and love is sent to you all. We will never forget this wonderful woman and her family. Her love knew no bounds, and her quest to learn of her father, and sharing with the other 455th members and their families was so dear. God bless you all.
455th Memorial in Watton, Norfolk, UK
Tony, Tracey,Cherese & Curtislee Brooks
February 5, 2016
Brenda, the girl with the ever lasting smile. We will miss you so much and you will never be forgotten. May God Bless you on your journey, remember the words from the song " Will meet again". Our love and sincere sadness but fond memories to all Brenda's family, we love and are thinking of you all at this time..
Joyce Hodges
February 5, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Brenda's family. She was such a sweet lady and I enjoyed working with her at A.L. Lotts.
Joyce Hodges
February 5, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Brenda's family. Brenda would always light up the room. She was a sweet lady. I so enjoyed working with her at A.L. Lotts.
Kit Ferryman
February 5, 2016
I'm so very sorry for you loss. I was only a FB friend, never acquainted. However, I was introduced thru the AWON GROUP and I've enjoyed her FB posts. May God, bless the Family...
Nadine Dowdy
February 5, 2016
My sympathy and love to Brenda's family. Brenda was a lovely lady and will be missed. I am an AWON sis.
Prayers for all of you. Brenda loved you so much.
Robin Painter
February 5, 2016
Uncle Sam, Christy, & Brittany,
I am so very sorry for the pain you are experiencing at the loss of Aunt Brenda. She was an extraordinary, beautiful, talented and vibrant lady. I know she was the foundation of your family and leaves a space that cannot be filled. I'm praying that God brings you comfort, peace and some measure of acceptance until the blessed day you are once again reunited with her in His presence. Your Kingsport (Burchfield) family mourns with you.
Carol Osborne
February 5, 2016
Dear Sam, Christina and Brittney and family. Brenda was not only my dear cousin but a beautiful lady inside and out. I always wanted to "hang" with her when we visited Tennessee each year on vacation. We would take her mom's convertible she had and go riding around on the backroads and to Uncle Clifford's store for lunch. There are no words to express how devastated I am at the loss of such a special lady. If you met Brenda, you will never ever forget her. We were going to meet at the home she has in Chuckey this summer when I was able to travel. I pray that our Heavenly Father will wrap his loving arms around each of you and comfort you and give you peace. The world has lost an amazing lady, but Heaven has gained a beautiful, gorgeous angel. RIP my beautiful cousin. Loved you in the past, love you now and will until we meet again.
Bradley and Heather (Nidiffer) White
February 5, 2016
We were so sad to learn of Mrs. Burchfield's death, and our thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. She was an amazing teacher and always had a smile on her lovely face.
Nancy Lawson
February 5, 2016
Prayers for your family as you face these days and weeks ahead. I was so sorry to hear the sad news of Brenda's death, she was always a bright light to all of her AWON sisters and brothers.
Jasper Van Haren
February 5, 2016
Dear Brenda,
We never had the chance to meet, but still, the way we talked trough Facebook, you were part of our family, specialy for my brother.
Your wonderful and friendly energy will be missed over here. I hope you have a safe journey, and if you see your dad, tell him how thankful we are for his sacrifice. Love you.
Jasper
Sandra MacDuffee
February 5, 2016
I was so saddened to hear of Brenda's passing. We never met but we were both members of Awon and as such we were sisters of the heart. My heart goes out to Brenda's family and may they find peace in their loving memories.
Lisa Wynn Pool
February 5, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you, Dr. Burchfield, and your family.
February 5, 2016
Thinking of you and your family.
Doloros B. Horne
Lata and Ravi Krishnan
February 5, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Helen Vernon
February 5, 2016
As a member of AWON, I have gotten to know Brenda through our on-line correspondence and our Face Book friendship. She was a lovely person and will be missed in our organization. I am so glad to have the "heart connection" that we shared through AWON....rest in peace dear friend, you have earned your wings. Sympathy to the family - may God bless you as you travel this road of grief.
Douglas Blair
February 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Brenda's family. She was a wonderful lady who always had a smile on her face and an amazing positive attitude. Rest in Peace.
February 5, 2016
Sam,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Phi Alpha.
Benny Wright
Angela Christian
February 5, 2016
It has been a privilege to know this wonderful human being. The world will be a much sadder place without her. God bless you Brenda - sweet dreams!
Nancy Johnson
February 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Dear Brenda's family. She was Beautiful inside and out and will be so missed by all. Rest in Peace Dearest Brenda. May her family find Peace also. God Bless all of the family and friends.
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