Ella Kay Brigham

Ella Kay Brigham, a lady of kindness and grace, age 88 of Dover, Tennessee went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2025.

Kay was born on May 16, 1937 in Orlinda, Tennessee, to the late Clay and Margaret Harned Groves. She graduated from Stewart County High School in 1955 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Tennessee in 1959. She began her teaching career at Stewart County High School where she taught Home Economics. She loved her students dearly but felt the call to become the Stewart County Food Service Supervisor in 1983. She retired from the Stewart County School System after 30 years of service.

Kay loved her church and her church friends at First Baptist Church Dover and was passionate about teaching her Sunday School class for many years. She loved her church family and actively participated in various church programs up until her disabilities limited her attendance. She was an encourager, a mentor, a role model and leader when it came to her role as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Another passion of Kay's was the Stewart County Library where she served on the board and was very active in the Friends of the Library group for many years. She helped sponsor the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for Stewart County and was passionate about children learning to read and enjoy books.

Kay was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Clayton Brigham. She is survived by her daughters Renata Wallace (Mark) and Sherri Schmerda (Robert). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kayla (JB) Gilbert, Casey Schmerda and Meredith Schmerda and great-grandchildren, Austin Gilbert and Grace Gilbert.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church Dover with Bro. Steven Head officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Dover or the Stewart County Library.

Arrangements are entrusted to Anglin Funeral Home of Dover, TN. Messages of comfort and remembrance may be shared at anglinfuneralhome.com