Brenda Gail Kee

Brenda Gail Cash Kee, 80, of Lonoke, Arkansas, passed away October 24, 2024, at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

She was born in Lonoke, Arkansas, in 1944 and went on to become a lifelong educator. Brenda attended Lonoke Public Schools, graduating from Lonoke High School in 1962 before obtaining a degree in Elementary Education at Ouachita Baptist University in 1966 and later obtaining her Master of Education in reading from the University of Central Arkansas, formerly known as State College of Arkansas.

Brenda had a passion for working with children and taught 1st grade in Carlisle, Arkansas, for 32 years. She often came home with sweet, delightful comments her students made. She worked diligently on each lesson and worked especially hard on her yearly student plays, often with props constructed by her carpenter father. On one such occasion, her mother, who was sitting in the audience, enjoyed a brief conversation with the proud mother of a child in Brenda’s class before the curtains opened. The mother mentioned the name of her child and told the part he was playing and then asked Brenda’s mother, “Which child is yours?” to which she replied equally proudly, “My child is the teacher.”

Brenda is remembered by countless students and colleagues as a loving, caring influence. Over her 32-year career, she taught hundreds of children to read and write and instilled in them a love of learning they carried throughout their lives. On several occasions, parents of 1st graders whispered to Brenda that they had specifically requested her to be their child’s teacher. Brenda treasured the Carlisle Pride of the Prairie Elementary Teacher of the Year Award for Dedicated Service to the Community Presented by Carlisle Chamber of Commerce in 1997.

Brenda was a faithful Christian and a member of Lonoke Baptist Church for over 70 years. She attended the Women’s III Class and taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and served on several committees over the years.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Nolen and Josephine Cash; sister-in-law, Phyllis Cash; and nephew, John Alexander Cash.

She is survived by her three siblings, Larry Cash of Lonoke, AR, John Melvin Cash (Elise) of Cabot, AR, and Jan Brown (David) of Abilene, TX. Also treasuring many sweet memories of Brenda are nephews, Scott Cash of Searcy, AR, and Stuart Cash (Dylana) of Maumelle, AR; and nieces, Mycah Auville (Ben) and Meredith Harris (Kyle).

Funeral services for Brenda will be held at Lonoke Baptist Church, 406 Front Street SW, Lonoke, Arkansas, on October 28 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour before services at 10:00 a.m.

Graveside Service and Burial will follow at Lonoke Cemetery, 1104 West 3rd Street, Lonoke, Arkansas.

Donations in Brenda’s name may be made to the Lonoke Baptist Church.