Mrs. Brenda Henley Obituary (1947

Brenda Joyce Guest Henley, 78, of Una, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026. She was the daughter of Doug and Margaret Guest of Aberdeen, and was the oldest of the three Coontail Cuties, a name Doug lovingly bestowed on Brenda and her two sisters, Nan Jenkins (James) and Libby Tipton (Kenny). Brenda was born with the gift of conversation and used it generously. She never met a stranger and could turn a quick trip to the store into a full visit. If she had your phone number, you heard from her, and on your birthday, you could count on Brenda being the first to send a text. She remembered them all and made people feel seen in the smallest but most meaningful ways. She worked for a number of years at Knox Grocery in Una where she brightened the entire community with her smile, kindness, and her ability to find common ground to talk about with every customer that walked through the doors. And if anyone needed a hug, she had a least one to give away no matter who it was. She loved her cell phone, although successfully operating it was often another story. She accidentally deleted photos and messages more times than anyone could count. And many family members can attest to the fact that she frequently believed she had hung up the phone only to unknowingly provide thirty additional minutes of background commentary or random callbacks. It became part of her unmistakable charm, and her family will forever smile at those memories. Brenda had a deep love for animals and never turned away a stray dog. Her home was a haven to many over the years. She adored her three dogs, Miracle, Henrietta, and Tanner, but Miracle held a particularly special place in her heart. Originally meant to belong to her daughter Rachel, Miracle came into Brenda’s life shortly after the passing of her beloved husband, Little Bud Henley. What began as a temporary rehoming quickly became permanent, and Miracle truly lived up to her name bringing comfort, companionship, and steady love during one of the hardest seasons of her life. She loved taking walks, staying active, reading, and exercising her sharp mind with words doing crossword puzzles. Most importantly, she loved God and lived her faith quietly. Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Little Bud Henley and is survived by her daughters, Margo L. Barnette and Rachel J. Henley; her cherished granddaughter, Gracie L. Barnette, whom she adored beyond measure; Gracie’s father, Billy Barnette, whom she loved as family; and Rachel’s fiancé, Chris Washington, whom she loved like a son. She delighted in making Chris his favorite banana bread and banana pudding, and the two shared countless conversations and text just as she did with her daughters. A private graveside service was held in keeping with Brenda’s wishes. Barry Smitherman spoke at the service, honoring her life and faith. Pallbearers were Beyron Vazquez, Todd Barnette, B.J. Smitherman, Kenny Ward, Chris Washington, and Ronald Garcia. The family is deeply grateful for the prayers, calls, messages, and love shown during this time. Brenda’s voice, laughter, and gift for conversation will live on in the many lives she touched. Though her earthly conversations have ended, the love she so freely gave continues to echo in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. We take comfort in knowing that while we miss her deeply here, she is whole and at peace in the presence of the God she loved so dearly. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Cemetery, c/o Terry Burns, 542 Les Burns Road, Prairie, Mississippi 39756 Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com