Brenda Gans

Born on September 9, 1960, in Cleveland, Tennessee, Brenda was the daughter of Peggy and John Marr. More than anything, her life was defined by the love she had for the people around her. She was a devoted mother, loving sister and aunt, proud grandmother, and the kind of loyal and supportive friend everyone hopes to have.

Brenda was the kind of person who made sure you knew you were loved. She never missed an opportunity to say, “I love you,” and she stayed connected to the people she cared about, often sending a funny meme just when someone needed to laugh or an inspirational quote when they needed encouragement. She had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor, a beautiful smile, and a contagious laugh that brought joy to those around her.

She found happiness in life’s simple and beautiful things. Brenda loved birds, especially hummingbirds, and enjoyed planting flowers and watching them grow. She loved the beach and being near the water, and Christmas held a particularly special place in her heart. To those fortunate enough to sit around her table, Brenda will also be remembered for making what her children proudly considered the best chili in the world.

What made Brenda truly special was her kindness. She loved deeply and gave that love freely. She was loyal, compassionate, supportive, and devoted to her family and friends. Whether you knew her as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend, you knew you had someone in your corner.

Brenda knew and loved God, and her faith was a source of peace. During difficult and uncertain times, she rested in that faith and trusted in Him.

Brenda is survived by her children, Justin Baliles and his wife, Allison; Jamie Harvey and her husband Nick; Tyler Gans; and her beloved grandchildren, Grace Nicole Harvey, Logan Riggs Harvey, Vada Noel Harvey, JB Baliles, Elle Baliles, Tommy Baliles, and Matt Baliles. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandchild, Jayda Ray Harvey.

She is also survived by her siblings, Paulette Ownbey and her husband, Mike; Gail Burdette and her husband, Randy; and Todd Marr and his wife, Joy; as well as several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Brenda leaves behind much more than names on a family tree. She leaves behind countless memories, laughter that will live on in the stories told about her, flowers that will remind us of her, hummingbirds that will make us pause and think of her, and a family that knows how deeply they were loved because she made sure to tell them.

Her absence will be felt beyond measure, but so will her presence—in the laughter she shared, the kindness she showed, and the love she gave so freely.

Brenda was deeply loved, and she will be greatly missed.

And because Brenda never missed an opportunity to say it to the people she loved, we will say it once more for her:

We love you, Brenda. Always.

Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.