Brenda Albright

September 4, 1947 - August 22, 2026

Brenda Jeanine Hemenway Albright, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, counselor, and friend, died August 22, 2026, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at the age of 78.

Brenda was born on September 4, 1947, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Ruth and Charles Hemenway. The baby of the family, Brenda grew up surrounded by love and a wide circle of friends. Some of her happiest childhood days were spent with her parents at their grocery store, riding her pony, and enjoying the friendships and simple pleasures of growing up in Arkansas. She graduated from Newport High School (Newport, Arkansas), where she was a cheerleader, and attended the University of Arkansas before pursuing graduate studies at Austin Peay State University.

Brenda married Reverend Samuel Lowell Albright in Dallas, Texas. On August 17, 2026, just five days before her death, Brenda and Sam celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Together they built a life centered on family, devotion, humor, and enduring love. Over more than five decades, they shared countless road trips, a love of murder mystery movies, and a deeply held belief in standing up for what mattered. Side by side, they attended marches for peace and democracy, traveled many miles together, and filled their years with conversation, laughter, music, and shared purpose. Theirs was a true partnership, a lifetime of showing up for one another and for the world they hoped to leave a little better than they found it.

Brenda and Sam welcomed their daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth "Beth" Albright, whom Brenda loved fiercely and unconditionally. She was a constant and joyful presence in Beth’s life - always in the front row for every theatre and choir performance and cheering proudly from the stands when Beth was the school mascot. Brenda encouraged Beth in everything she did and, perhaps most importantly, taught her to be unapologetically herself, to follow her own path, and to “make her own kind of music.” That unwavering love and encouragement became one of the greatest gifts Brenda gave her daughter.

The family lived in Little Rock, Arkansas where Brenda worked for the Pulaski County School District, before moving to Plano, Texas. There, Brenda continued her career in education with Richardson Independent School District.

Counseling was more than Brenda's profession; it was a reflection of who she was. She had a special heart for young people who were struggling and an ability to see beyond circumstances or mistakes and recognize the person underneath. Throughout her career, she listened, encouraged, advocated, and refused to give up on the students who needed

someone in their corner. Her legacy lives on in the countless young people and families whose lives she touched.

After retiring from Richardson ISD, Brenda and Sam returned to Arkansas and made their home in Hot Springs.

One of Brenda's greatest joys was her only grandson, Samuel Kanaan Gonzalez, who knew and loved her as "BeeBop." She delighted in being his grandmother and took tremendous pride in watching him grow. Being BeeBop was a role she embraced with her whole heart - baking cookies and reading stories, making special trips to the Mid-America Science Museum and the Arkansas Alligator Farm, and sharing favorite outings to the Chinese buffet. She spoiled Kanaan exactly as a grandmother should, with shopping trips to Walmart, an almost complete inability to tell him “No,” and even his very first pet, Jerry the Bearded Dragon. Their time together was filled with fun, laughter, little adventures, and a bond that Kanaan will carry with him always.

Brenda shared an especially close relationship with her sister, Becky Castleberry, who was also her best friend. The two could spend hours on the phone, take trips to the casino, or set out together on a determined search for the most elusive Christmas present—and somehow, they always found it. They also shared a heart for serving others, including time spent volunteering together at the Methodist Thrift Shop. Their bond was one of those rare gifts of sisterhood: a lifetime of inside jokes, familiar stories, and the easy understanding that comes from knowing someone nearly all your life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Charles Hemenway, and her brother, Charles Hemenway. She also cherished her many nieces and nephews, including Steve and Mike Castleberry, and their families.

Brenda loved Law & Order, classic sitcoms, musical theatre, and the music of Barbra Streisand, Peter, Paul and Mary, Judy Collins, and Neil Diamond. She especially loved the musicals South Pacific and RENT. Her family will remember her kindness, generosity, humor, intelligence, compassion, and the unmistakable presence she brought to their lives.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 52 years, Rev. Samuel Lowell Albright; daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth "Beth" Albright; grandson, Samuel Kanaan Gonzalez; sister, Becky Castleberry; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends.

Brenda spent her professional life helping young people find their way and her personal life loving her family with everything she had.

She was Sam's wife, Beth's mother, Kanaan's BeeBop, Becky's little sister, and a counselor to young people who needed someone to believe in them.

She will be profoundly missed and forever loved.

Memorial service will be held at a later date.