Brenda Ray (Durham) Spearman

Brenda Ray (Durham) Spearman, 85, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026. She was born on July 28, 1940, in Six Mile, South Carolina, and was the beloved daughter of Julius and Sally Durham.

Brenda lived a life defined by faith, family, patriotism, and joy. She loved her family fiercely, loved her country, and never missed an opportunity to add a little sparkle wherever she went. She was married to the love of her life, Chief Warrant Officer Marvin Donald “Don” Spearman, and together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in June 2005.

As the proud wife of a United States Army officer, Brenda embraced military life with strength and grace while raising their one son and three daughters. Nothing brought her more joy than her family.

She poured love into every detail of their lives, celebrating the people she loved in thoughtful and meaningful ways—especially through the handmade birthday cards she faithfully sent, which became cherished keepsakes. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

Above all, Brenda loved Jesus. Her faith was a steady and beautiful part of who she was, shaping the way she loved others. She was strong, determined, and resilient—never ready to give up, no matter the battle. Her faith, love, and perseverance will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Brenda was a devoted prayer warrior, strong and unwavering in her beliefs. For the past four years, she was a faithful member of Grace Life Church, where she found great joy in worship and fellowship with her church family.

She also had a vibrant and joyful spirit. Brenda loved decorating for the holidays, with Christmas being her favorite. Each year featured a new theme, filling her home with warmth and wonder. She was well known for her love of karaoke and rarely went anywhere without her portable karaoke machine. Whenever she performed, she would begin with a subtle bow and gentle wave of her hand, often sharing these joyful moments on Facebook. Her sparkle truly lit up every room she entered.

Brenda found beauty in life’s simple pleasures. She loved scrapbooking, crafting, tending to her plants, and feeding the birds in her yard—especially the hummingbirds and cardinals that brought her such delight.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey A. Spearman (Donna), Kimberly S. Anderson (Alex), Rhonda K. Spearman (Beverly), and Kristin A. Palombo (Ryan); her brother, Julius Cary Durham; her grandchildren, Kayla D. Harrison (Doug), N. Evan Anderson (Kelsey), Victoria Zink (Ethan), Kera Spearman, Kylee Parris (Jesse), Hunter Palombo, and Ian Palombo; and her great-grandchildren, Alexander Anderson, Judah Anderson, Emerie Parris, Viviana Parris, Raiden Parris, and Waylon Parris.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chief Warrant Officer Marvin Donald “Don” Spearman, and her parents, Julius and Sally Durham.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Brenda’s name to support a missionary ministry close to her heart. Her granddaughter and her husband, Victoria and Ethan Zink, are missionaries in Northern Africa with Overland Missions. Please use this link for donations: https://overlandmissions.com/donate/thezinks or to Grace Life Church at https://mygracelife.net/give

Brenda’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, boundless love, joyful song, and a heart devoted to God and family. She leaves behind a melody of memories that will continue to echo in the hearts of those who loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her warmth, creativity, and love will forever remain part of her family. They find comfort knowing she is now in heaven, fully at peace, surrounded by the joy she believed in so deeply.

Rest peacefully, Brenda. You have left an incredible legacy for your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Life Church, located at 1083 Allgood Rd., Marietta, GA, 30062. The service is scheduled for February 20, 2026, starting at 2:00 pm.