Brenda Kay Jones

Brenda Kay (Dunham) Jones was born on August 9, 1956, the daughter of Charles Hubert and Betty Lou (McGowan) Dunham. Brenda was a proud graduate of Tahlequah High School, Class of 1974. Throughout her life, she touched many people through her work and her unmistakable personality. She worked for Dr. Wyly for many years as a medical assistant, later worked as a lab technician in Muskogee, and then working for Zapata. She eventually became a Customer Service Manager for Walmart, where her strong personality, determination, and ability to connect with people made her memorable to all who knew her.

Brenda was a woman with a big personality and a feisty spirit. She loved life and lived it in her own unique way. She loved to travel and enjoyed surrounding herself with the things that brought her happiness. She had a special love for cats, not only caring for her own but also feeding the neighborhood cats. Brenda was sure that the cats around her had something to eat and were welcomed with open arms. She was creative and loved making beautiful things, especially through decoupage and flower arrangements. Brenda also enjoyed collecting all sorts of treasured trinkets, with special favorites including Funko Pops, Disney items, Tigger, and butterflies. Her collections reflected the fun-loving, colorful personality that she brought to everything she did. Although Brenda spent time living in Arkansas, she returned to Tahlequah to care for her beloved father. Her devotion to her family was one of the defining qualities of her life. She loved her family deeply and treasured the time she spent with them.

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, she passed from this life at the age of 70 years old. Brenda will be remembered for her big heart, feisty spirit, colorful personality, love of animals, creativity, sense of adventure, and unwavering love for her family. She was truly one of a kind, and those fortunate enough to know her will carry her memory in their hearts.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Betty Lou Dunham and one sister, Janice L. Waddle.

Her memory lives on through her brother-in-law, Robert Waddle of Park Hill, OK, nephew, Rob Waddle of Tahlequah, OK and one niece, Brandie Walker and husband Argus of Keys, OK. She also is survived by many great nieces and nephews, Lacee Fielden of Hulbert, OK, Peyton Dunham of Eugene, OR, Kade Waddle, Charles Waddle, and Bayleigh Rosier, all of Tahlequah, OK, Gracee Walker and Nolan Walker, both of Keys, OK, as well as a special friend and cousin, Connie McGowan of Tahlequah, OK, numerous other cousins, friends, and loved ones.

The family will be holding a celebration of Brenda’s life at a later date. Rest peacefully, Brenda. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.