Brenda Kaye Welch Howell passed away peacefully at her home in Kennesaw, Georgia, on May 21st, 2026. She was born on August 3, 1949, in Tallahassee, Florida - one of eight children of the late William Woodard Welch and Myrtle Elizabeth Welch. Brenda was preceded in death by her siblings Ann Elizabeth Welch and Peggy Welch Griffin and is survived by her siblings Linda Faye Welch, William Woodard Welch Jr., Sybil Lazarus, James R. Welch, Robert E. Welch, along with 62 nieces and nephews. Brenda was a twin to her beloved sister, Linda Faye Welch, and together they shared a lifetime of laughter, secrets, and sisterly mischief.
Brenda lived a life full of joy, creativity, and unwavering faith. Though she had no children of her own, she poured her heart into her large and loving family - her many siblings, nieces, and nephews, all of whom adored her. She brought color and light into every room she entered, her presence marked by her wide, infectious laugh and genuine warmth.
A proud graduate of Fort Myers High School in Florida, Brenda went on to work in the family business, Welch's Furniture Showrooms. Whether in sales, design, or decorating, Brenda's natural gift for connecting with people and her eye for beauty made her a treasured part of the business. Customers often remembered not just her decorating talent, but the way she made them feel - valued, seen, and uplifted.
Her faith was at the center of her life. In her search for meaning and joy, Brenda found her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and from that moment forward, she carried His love and compassion into everything she did. On September 10, 1983, Brenda married the love of her life, Jerry J. Howell, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Together they built a beautiful marriage of 36 years. They traveled the world side by side - partners in adventure, in business, and in faith. Jerry often said Brenda was not only his greatest travel companion but also his best business partner, gifted with an unforgettable laugh and a heart for people. Brenda's life was one of laughter, devotion, and love - for God, for her family, and for everyone blessed to know her. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness and grace.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00 AM at Mt. Paran North Church, 1700 Allgood Rd., Marietta, GA. The family will meet-and-greet visitors there starting at 10 am.
A committal service will follow at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA.
Donations may be made in Brenda Howell's memory to: Crown Financial Ministries, and/or Haggai Institute International.
