Brenda Gail Macy

Brenda was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and moved to Elizabethtown at the age of two. A proud 1972 graduate of Elizabethtown High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in French and minor in Library Science from Murray State University in 1975 and later pursued further education at the University of Kentucky, receiving a Masters of Science degree in Library Science in 1980. Brenda was a devoted professional, serving for 25 ½ years as the Director of the Hardin County Public Library and as a school librarian in Crittenden County for seven years before that.

Beyond her professional achievements, Brenda was deeply passionate about daylilies, dedicating much of her life to growing, showing and promoting this remarkable flower. As a proud member of The American Hemerocallis Society (AHS), Brenda not only served on the board of directors but also earned recognition as the editor of the AHS Region 10 newsletter, The Daylily Appeal. Under her leadership, the newsletter received widespread acclaim. In addition to her editorial work, Brenda was a senior exhibition judge, an awards and honors judge and an instructor, sharing her expertise with others in the daylily community. She carefully cultivated an impressive collection of over 750 different daylily varieties at her home, which became one of the few official AHS display gardens in the country, earning admiration from fellow enthusiasts. Her contributions to the daylily world were so significant that a daylily was named in her honor, Brenda Масу (Kirchhoff, 2020), ensuring her legacy continues to bloom for years to come.

Brenda's love for creativity didn't stop with flowers. For 43 years, she shared her unique Christmas ornament designs made from polymer clay, which touched many and showcased her artistic talents. She also had an absolute love for University of Kentucky basketball and was a devoted fan, never missing a chance to cheer on the Wildcats.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, James and Maxine Weaver Macy; her sister Sharon J. Macy; and her brother James G. Macy.

Survivors include two sisters, Honey (Jim) Higdon of Glendale and Karen Macy of Elizabethtown. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews; Cherish (Robby) Cothern, Andrew Higdon (Kyra), Macy Higdon (Jesse) and Alex Higdon (Abigail); five great nieces and nephews; Hunter, Madison and Logan Cothern, and Liam and Calvin Cruz; her cherished cats, Georgette “George” Heyer Macy and Josephine Tey Macy; Cousins and a host of friends who will always remember her kindness, unwavering passion for life and devotion to her family and hobbies.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 17, at 11:00 A.M. at Brown Funeral Home with Pat Embrey Swartz officiating.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16, from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. and again on Monday, February 17, from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M.

Burial will follow at Hardin Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be sent to: Hardin County Public Library; 100 Jim Owen Drive; Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701, or the American Daylily Society; http://daylilies.org/get-involved/get-involved- donations/ Please designate your donation to: William E. Monroe Endowment Fund Trust