Brenda Joyce Milligan

Brenda Joyce Milligan

Died: November 19, 2025

Brenda Joyce Milligan, 78, of Afton, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday at Greeneville Community Hospital after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Brenda's life was a tapestry woven with love, faith, and quiet strength. A gifted gardener, she nurtured every bloom with care and had a green thumb that could coax life from the most stubborn soil. Her creativity flourished in sewing and cooking, and she found joy in collecting recipes and cookbooks - each one a new adventure waiting to be tried. Brenda never missed a chance to shop for a new dress, always embracing life with grace and a touch of sparkle!

Her greatest treasures were her children and grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. Facetiming with the little ones brought her endless delight, and her laughter during those moments will echo in their hearts forever.

Brenda dedicated many years of loyal service to Magnavox before retiring, and her work ethic was matched only by her unwavering faith. A devoted follower of Christ, she lived her life anchored in love and scripture. For over 50 years, she was a faithful member of Kingsley Avenue Freewill Baptist Church, where her presence was a blessing to all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years: Charles Ben Milligan; her children: Regina Kloosterman, Pamela (Jason) Collins, Mary Ann (Brian) Johnson, Lynn (Elaine) Collins, Chuck (Gena) Milligan, Kim (Bill) Brown, and Nick (Laura) Milligan; her sister: Shirley Starnes; her brother: Bill (Brenda) Taylor. Brenda's legacy continues through her grandchildren: Blake (Karly) Gefellers, Jordan Lee Johnson, Devin Gefellers, Lindsey (Sean) McIntyre, Taylor Collins, Alexandrea Henschke, Zachery (Danielle) Kloosterman, Collin Johnson, Adeline Collins, Autumn Collins, Scarlett Collins, Angie Collins Turbyfield, Cody (Rachael) Taylor, Elijah (Alys) Milligan, Caleb Milligan, Tanner Milligan, Madison (Jordan) Anderson, and Christian (Brooke) Freeman; and her great-grandchildren: Zane McIntyre, Sophia Johnson, Genesis Abellada, Bernadette "Birdie" Gefellers, Jude Taylor, Rowen Taylor, Bodhi Taylor, Kyren Anderson, Kamora Anderson, and Braylee Freeman. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, each held close in her heart.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents: Richard and Mary Ruth Taylor; her son: Howard Collins; her sister: Marlene Taylor; brothers: Robert "Bob" Taylor, June Taylor, and Jim Taylor; her beloved aunt: Florida Griffin; niece: Vickie Taylor; brother-in-law: Lee Starnes; and son-in-law: Frederik Kloosterman.

Family and friends celebrated Brenda's life on Sunday at Jeffers Funeral Home in Afton. The service was officiated by Pastor Tim Roach. Brenda was laid to rest at Graceland Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers were Blake Gefellers, Devin Gefellers, Zachery Kloosterman, Collin Johnson, Elijah Milligan, and Caleb Milligan.

Brenda's light will continue to shine in the lives she touched. Her memory is a garden of love that will bloom forever!