Brenda Whitt

Jan. 14, 1963–April 12, 2024

 

Brenda Bruce Whitt, of West Liberty, Kentucky, passed away April 12, 2024, at home.

Brenda was born on Jan. 14, 1963, in Ironton, the daughter of the late Howard and Glenna Bruce.

Accompanied by her best friend and younger brother, Jim, Brenda spent her childhood days frolicking outdoors on the family farm from sun up to sun down and playing outdoors with the visiting neighbor kids.

It wasn’t all play on the Bruce Family Farm, as these pastoral hours were punctuated by hard work in the various crops raised there – tobacco, hay, vegetables and cattle.

She carried this love of nurturing flowers and vegetables into her enjoyment of gardening that had proven life-long.

Brenda translated this tendency toward hard work into her studies at Ohio State University, earning, not only her bachelor’s degree, but also a master’s degree.

Not just reserved for her academic career, her farm-grown work ethic served her in a nine-year term in management with Wendy’s International in Columbus.

After completing her master’s degree in education, Brenda’s journey led her to Kentucky, namely Magoffin County High School, where she would carry the responsibilities of many roles throughout her eight-year tenure there. Brenda counted among her duties assistant girls basketball coach, senior sponsor, and academic team coach.

It was in the execution of the last of these that she met her husband, Addison Whitt. Brenda was united in marriage to Addison on July 1, 2000, and this union was blessed with one son, Ashton Bruce Ethan Whitt.

After their marriage, Brenda brought her well of talents and can-do spirit to the Morgan County Board of Education, flourishing in a 21-year career there.

Among her myriad accomplishments, Brenda was responsible for the formation of a countywide Spelling Bee and the establishment of the Morgan County Youth Soccer League in 2007.

Brenda was a devoted fan of tennis and loved to travel with Addison to follow their favorite player, their son, Ashton. From Hilton Head to Mobile, Alabama to Little Rock to Charleston, South Carolina (as well as all over Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee), the mileage was welcomed to support Ashton and his love of tennis.

An avid reader (with a leaning toward historical novels), Brenda enjoyed participating in book club, reveling in lively discussion and food with friends.

Brenda’s hospitality didn’t just extend to her book club. She adored hosting gatherings of family and friends; with folks scattered across couches, recliners, sleeping bags and air mattresses.

Brenda loved these times surrounded by those she loved, especially friends and family, and of course foremost, Addison.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Glenna Bruce; her brother, James Howard “Jim” Bruce; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glen and Etha Nell Whitt.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Addison Whitt, and their son, Ashton Whitt.

She is also survived by sister, Cheryl (Terry) Dalton, of Pedro; and brother, Dean (Rose) Bruce, of Birmingham, Alabama. Also surviving are brother-in-law Greg (Linda) Whitt, of Frankfort, Kentucky, and sister-in-law, Glenda (Jeff) French, of Benton, Kentucky; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, Donald (Becky) Pancake, Kendora Pancake, Olivia Bruce, Raleigh Bruce, Jared (Madison) Bruce, Jacob Bruce and Tyler (Rachel) Whitt.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 25, beginning at 2 p.m. at the West Liberty United Methodist Church, 237 Prestonsburg Street, West Liberty, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held noon–2 p.m.

It was Brenda’s wish for those attending to wear their favorite color to this celebration.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family wishes to request donations to be made to the West Liberty United Methodist Church Youth Group, PO Box 295, West Liberty Kentucky, 41472.

Potter Funeral Home, Inc., West Liberty, Kentucky, in charge of arrangements.