In the bright brilliancy of life, as the sun gently sets on the horizon, we bid farewell to Brenda Willis, also known as Brenda Sue Hite. Born in the heart of Cullman, AL, on September 21, 1946, she wove an intricate tapestry of existence draped in ambition, humility, creativity, and courage. Through the looking glass of her own perspective, she might have penned these words, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans,” a sentiment borrowed from John Lennon that echoes the unpredictable and beautiful journey she embarked on.
Residing in Cullman Alabama, Brenda, a retired poet, master Gardner, and Airforce veteran found joy in simple things – reading, fishing, horror movies, and the warmth of family. As a 2012-2013 Vice Commander of Post 4 American Legion in her birth town Cullman Alabama, she served with dignity and honor. Brenda’s words danced on paper as a published poet. Prior to retirement she worked as the Ascension Parish Tax Assessor and as Timekeeper for Turner Industries. Her friends were lifelong family which was testament to her character. The laughter of her grandchildren, the soothing rhythm of poetry, the serene silence of fishing, the companionship of friends, the smoky comfort of a cigarette while garage sell shopping, filled her life in its vibrant entirety.
She was a proud daughter of a World War II Purple Heart Veteran, Frank (Inez) Hite, and a nurturing mother to her brave National Guard Veteran son, Steve Willis and her biggest fan and youngest Son, Scott Willis. Her spirit continues to live on in her grandchildren – Michelle (Cale) Neher, Samantha Willis, Daphne Willis, and Emi (Brandon) Dale, and her niece and nephews – Dena Bright Kilpatrick, Danny Hite, and Herschel (Holly) McDowell. The stars in the night sky shine a little dimmer as we remember those who preceded her in the journey to the eternal – her parents Frank and Inez Hite, her beloved son Steve Willis, and her siblings Ann, Eddie, and Dennis Hite.
As Maya Angelou beautifully expressed, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Brenda’s journey was not merely a series of events, but a cascade of shared emotions and experiences that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. Please share your cherished memories and photos of Brenda on her memorial page, a canvas of love and remembrance where her spirit continues to inspire and comfort us.
There are too many great memories of Brenda to share here. She truly was a one of a kind shining star. She will be sorely missed