Brenda Joyce Purvis

If those who loved Brenda had to describe her in one sentence, many would simply say, “She was the best person I have ever known.” Her children have both said those very words. It wasn't because she lived an easy life or because she sought recognition. It was because she cared for people deeply. She rarely spoke poorly of others, didn’t hesitate to put someone else's needs before her own, and never sought recognition for doing so. If you needed Brenda, she came.

Often before you even knew you needed someone.

Whether caring for family, helping a friend through a difficult season, watching grandchildren, or simply sitting beside someone who needed encouragement, Brenda had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved, safe, and cared for. Serving others wasn't something she did—it was simply who she was.

Born on October 12, 1942, Brenda grew up in rural Gwinnett County, Georgia. She would tell the story that the year she left for college was the same year her parents finally got an indoor bathroom. It reminded her how much life could change through opportunity and education.

Brenda became the first person in her family to graduate from college, an accomplishment she treasured not because of the recognition it brought her, but because of the doors it opened for future generations. She often spoke with gratitude—and tears in her eyes—about her father believing enough in his daughter to pay for her college education, at a time when that opportunity was still uncommon for young women from her rural Georgia community. She graduated from Agnes Scott College and went on to earn her master's degree from Emory University.

Even while raising two young children, Brenda continued pursuing her education, returning to Emory University for advanced postgraduate study in Library Science. During those years, while her husband, Joe, taught night classes, Brenda somehow managed everything else—raising a family, caring for her home, and continuing her education. Looking back, her children still wonder how she accomplished it all. She simply did what needed to be done, never expecting recognition or praise.

Brenda spent much of her career at Gainesville Junior College, where she became Head Librarian, Associate Professor, and ultimately Director Emerita. She had a lifelong love of books and believed they opened doors to opportunity. She instilled that belief in her children and grandchildren, while reminding the young women in her family that every woman should be able to care for herself. She believed education gave a woman confidence, independence, and choices.

Brenda and Joe were married for more than 60 years. Together, they raised two children and cared for six grandchildren with unwavering love.

Brenda cared lovingly for her husband, her sister, her children, her grandchildren, and her friends through every season of life. She was the friend everyone hoped would answer the phone, because she always did. She never viewed caring for others as a burden; it was simply where she found joy.

Though gentle by nature, Brenda was fiercely protective of the people she loved. If she believed someone she cared about was being treated unfairly, her quiet kindness quickly gave way to fierce determination. She wasn't afraid to fight for the people she loved, and they never had to wonder whose side she was on.

Her faith was deeply personal. Brenda rarely spoke about it, choosing instead to live it. Those closest to her saw it reflected in her compassion, humility, forgiveness, generosity, and quiet strength. She believed that the truest expression of faith was found not in words, but in how we loved one another.

Brenda also possessed a wonderful curiosity about the world. She loved to travel, exploring Europe and even China in the 1980s, when such travel was far less common, with excitement and wonder. She delighted in experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and returning home with stories about the places she had seen.

Yet no title brought Brenda more joy than being “Nonnie.”

Her six grandchildren knew her not simply as their grandmother, but as one of the defining people in their lives. She celebrated every accomplishment, encouraged every dream, and made each grandchild feel uniquely loved. One of her grandsons would later write that she was “the most selfless person I have ever met.” They didn't simply love their Nonnie—they wanted to become more like her.

Brenda loved to shop, and few things made her happier than shopping with her grandchildren. She delighted in buying them matching outfits, and everyone knew to quietly hide the shopping bags before Papa Joe saw them. Years later, those shopping trips remain some of the family's happiest memories—not because of the clothes themselves, but because they were filled with time together and the joy Brenda found in making the people she loved happy.

Her grandchildren still smile when they remember her telling them to “go in yonder,” sending them home asking their parents what “yonder” meant. Those little expressions became part of their memories of Nonnie.

In her later years, Brenda faced dementia—the very illness she had long feared. While the disease gradually stole many of her memories, it never diminished the gentleness of her spirit or the love she had already woven into the lives of her family. Even in the later stages, nurses and caregivers would often tell her family, “Your mom is the nicest person.” Even dementia could not erase the kindness that had defined her entire life.

In those final years, her family was given the privilege of caring for the woman who had spent a lifetime caring for everyone else. And when they could not be there, extraordinary hospice nurses, aides, and caregivers sat beside her, held her hand, comforted her, and loved her with remarkable compassion. Their kindness brought immeasurable peace to Brenda and to everyone who loved her.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Joe Bryant Purvis; her son, Joseph Bryant Purvis III, and daughter-in-law, Tebbi Purvis; her daughter, Beth Purvis Leonard, and son-in-law, Rob Leonard; her treasured grandchildren, Connor Leonard, Will Purvis, Emma Leonard, Abby Purvis, Matthew Leonard, and Katie Leonard; her brother, Stanley Simonton, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Simonton; her beloved nieces and nephews, Lori Simonton Kwilecki, Emily Buffington Embry, and Matthew Simonton; cherished cousins; and countless friends whom she cherished more than they will ever know.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Oliver Washington Simonton and Emily Jane Shackelford Simonton, and by her beloved sister, Carol Buffington.

It has been said, “What we do for ourselves we take with us. What we do for others we leave behind.”

Brenda leaves behind children and grandchildren who learned what unconditional love looks like—not because she talked about it, but because she lived it every day. She taught us that people always matter more than possessions, that showing up is one of life's greatest gifts, and that kindness is never wasted.

Her family, her friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her are better because she was here. The lessons she lived continue in us. The love she gave continues through us.

Her life was her greatest gift, and her love will remain her greatest legacy.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Brenda's life on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Tom M. Wages Funeral Service in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Visitation will be held from 12:00–1:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.

A graveside service will follow at Gwinnett Memorial Park.

Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather at Bryant's home for a celebration of Brenda's life—and, fittingly, her 84th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program of The Dollywood Foundation. The mission is especially fitting for Brenda, who had a lifelong love of books, devoted her career to education, and treasured the many happy memories she made with her family in Sevierville and the surrounding mountains. Supporting early literacy and putting books into the hands of children is a beautiful way to honor her life and continue her legacy.

Donations may be made online through the official Imagination Library donation page by selecting “In Memory Of” and entering Brenda Joyce Simonton Purvis as the dedication name.

Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Checks may also be mailed to:

The Dollywood Foundation

C/O Finance Department

111 E. Main Street, 2nd Floor

Sevierville, TN 37862