Brenda Ellen King Wright

Brenda was born on February 18, 1952 in Jamestown, Tennessee to Delmer and Cordie (Cooper) King. Brenda graduated from Alvin C. York Institute before studying at Tennessee Tech, where she met the love of her life, Nick Wright. Brenda and Nick were married on May 30, 1972. After their marriage, Brenda obtained multiple degrees in elementary and guidance counseling through her studies at Tennessee Technological University, Austin Peay State University, Tusculum University, and University of Tennessee.

Brenda loved her career as an elementary school teacher! Students still remember how she taught them perfect printing and to write using “sticks and balls.” One student shared that Brenda was her “glamorous first grade teacher.” Brenda invested her heart and soul into her students! As she was wrapping up her education career, Brenda shifted her role to guidance counselor for more individual attention for the students who needed her most.

Brenda and Nick were avid supporters of the Tennessee Volunteers, as season ticket holders for football, men’s basketball, and Lady Vols basketball for many years. Their travels often included Tennessee bowl games and Charleston vacations, which held a special place in her heart. Brenda also loved going to church and traveling on church mission trips. Brenda was great at finding the best deals, from garage sales to the mall to high end NY styles at a fraction of the price!

Brenda was preceded in death by her loving husband Nick Wright, mother Cordie King, father Delmer King, sister Phyllis More, and sister Vergie King.

Brenda is survived by her sister Demple (Marvin) Weaver, and many nieces and nephews including Valerie (Matthew) Blackmon, Melissa (David) Wascher, and Denise (Quang) Dang.

Service and burial will be held on Wednesday, July 30 at 12:30 PM Eastern Time at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, located at 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy 168, Knoxville, TN 37920. Viewing will be available Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time and Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM Eastern Time at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Pat Summitt Foundation or The Tennessee Lady Vols Volunteer Fund.

The family would especially like to thank Tender Hearts Home Independence Services, The Nursing Center at Little Creek, and Dr. Jeff Stevens for their support and care. They stepped in during a very challenging time after the loss of Brenda’s devoted and loving husband Nick, who tenderly cared for her for many years.