Brenda J Epperson

Brenda Joyce Epperson, age 80, passed away September 2nd, 2020 at Fort Sanders Reginal Medical Center with loved ones at her side. She was a long-time member of Tazewell Baptist Church in Tazewell, Tennessee. Brenda became a Christian at a young age and continued to enjoy studying God’s word. Singing in the church choir provided her much joy. She was a nurse for many years and greatly enjoyed caring for the needs of others in her role as a home health nurse traveling many miles throughout East Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. Brenda was the founder of T.N.T Red Hat Society in 2004 and continued actively in the group until 2019 when her health no longer supported her desire to travel and see new things. She was also a long-term Volunteer and Camp Host at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park where she received the Pinnacle Award in 2012 for her service. For a period of time, Brenda also served as an active member of the Tennessee Order of the Eastern Star Tazewell Chapter 232 and achieved status as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Some of her fondest family memories included the birth of her son and daughter as well as each grandchild and great grandchild. Brenda’s special interests included travel especially when she could enjoy wildlife and nature, gardening, and genealogy. She was a lover of people and animals and greatly enjoyed many deep friendships throughout her lifetime.

Brenda was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents; Charles Benton Epperson (Beulah) and Shirley Christine Smith (Clarence Leroy); her son Johnny Lewis Leach; and very special friends Joyce Cheek, Barbara and Glenn Hanson, and Curtis Osborne. She is survived by her loving daughter Lora (Leach) Johnson (Craig Dotson); grandchildren, John Bradley Leach (Amanda), Preston Scott Cardwell (Amy), Jenna Michelle Gore (Ian), and Leslie Anne Nokes; great grandchildren, Maggie Leach, Kinley Cardwell, Presley Cardwell, Maverick Gore and Zoe Gore; step-brother, Donald Jackson; special friends Tim and Debbie Brooks; and a host of others.

Family will receive friends Saturday, September 5th at Coffey Funeral Home in Tazewell, Tennessee starting at 11am to be followed with a Funeral service at noon. The family will then proceed to the Middlesboro Cemetery for a short graveside service. Pastor J.D. Estep officiating. Music will be provided by David Painter. Pallbearers include members of Tazewell Baptist Church. Special thanks to Murphy Miller for his assistance.