Brenda Kay Coley

Surrounded by her children and grandchildren, Brenda Kay Pennington Coley passed peacefully from this life Friday, October 25th, at Baylor-Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX. A Celebration of Life for Brenda will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30th, at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple, Texas.

Brenda was born on December 31st, 1949, in Mineral Wells, Texas, to parents Raymond Benjamin and Lois Monave (White) Pennington. Brenda attended Sam Houston Elementary and graduated from H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas. There were plenty of school and neighborhood friends, yet her siblings became her friends for life. As one of ten children, she was the youngest of five girls and grew up in a lively household in Dallas. Brenda and her sisters, lovingly known as “The Sisters,” shared a deep bond, countless adventures, and endless laughter.

In 1965, Brenda, then a young carhop at Jersey Queen in Pleasant Grove, met the man who would become her husband and the love of her life, Arthur Coley Sr. They married on May 31st, 1969, and began a life together. Brenda and Art welcomed three children: Art Jr., Jennifer LeAnn, and Jeffrey Scott. In 1972, they moved to Temple, Texas, where they built a home and community for the next 54 years.

Brenda quickly became an active community member in Temple. She served as PTA President at Lanier Elementary, volunteered as a Yellow Bird at Scott and White, and participated actively with the Bell County Democratic Party. She also served as President of the Hillcrest Cemetery Board. Brenda worked at Temple National Bank for a few years in the 1970s and then in 1985 she and Art Sr. became small business owners by opening the French Quarter Cafe, a beloved spot where they served the Temple community for two decades. Years later, Brenda proudly took on the role of Director of Hospitality for CGI Franchise and delighted in welcoming visitors and clients from all over the world, and of course charmed the socks off of them just by being herself.

Brenda was a woman of boundless curiosity. Her deep love for reading fueled her interest in history, especially the lives of American presidents and the British royal family. Her annual Oscars parties were legendary, where friends and family dressed up and celebrated like Hollywood stars, with Brenda as the ever-charming hostess. Her vibrant spirit thrived in the company of family and friends, whether singing karaoke, playing cards, or simply sharing stories.

Brenda’s most cherished roles were those of wife, mother, and grandmother. She epitomized selflessness, always putting her loved ones first and cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at every turn. Known for her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel loved and welcome, Brenda was a gift to everyone who knew her. She was a blueprint for loving deeply, living joyfully, and embracing each moment. Her legacy is one of limitless strength and unwavering support, embodying the resilience and triumph that carried her family and friends through every chapter, both challenging and cheerful.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Art, and her oldest sister, Dewene. She is survived by her children, Arthur Coley Jr. and wife Jean, Jennifer Coley Smith and husband Jon, and Jeffrey Coley and wife Michelle; her stepson Chris Coley and wife Tonya; her grandchildren, Arthur “Lennon” Coley III and wife Meagan, Eric Coley, Jonah Smith, Gunnar Coley, Julia Kay Smith, Katelyn Coley, and Jackson Coley; and great-grandchildren, Rylie Jean Coley and Arthur “Cooper” Coley IV; step grandchildren Hannah Coley, and Christian Coley and wife Megan. Brenda is also survived by her sisters Ann Cooper, Elaine Bellah Gillis, and Yvonne Ross; her brothers Charles, Donald, Jerry, Jackie, and Lynn Pennington; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Brenda to Families In Crisis P.O. Box 2142 Temple, Texas 76503.