Corsicana - Born in Greensboro, North Carolina on October 6, 1939, Brenda's childhood stories included tales about being raised in an era when men, including her father, were returning from service following WWII. Brenda's mother joined the multitude of women taking the jobs of hard-working service men in their absence overseas, leaving Brenda to be cared for by her grandmother.

A talented artist, she traveled to Dallas to work for Olan Mills. It was there that she met her soon to be husband, Ferrell Smithey. The two settled in Texas and began a family on a ranch between Italy and Frost. Eventually, Brenda worked at Tom's and Kmart distribution centers in Corsicana while raising a family.

Well-spoken, witty, and intelligent, Brenda could carry a conversation and enjoyed the company of many friends. She advised her children to never let anyone "speak above you,"meaning that one should always be courteous, respectful, and kind in both deeds and words.

Brenda was perhaps best known for her good cooking. An avid reader, she read cookbooks in her spare time, then claimed to never use them. She had that knack for throwing things together to create meals without reading a recipe. All the friends and relatives from Italy and the surrounding area would always ask, "What's your mom cooking for supper tonight? Do you think I could come?" Her cooking was so good that everyone was always hoping for an invitation to the table.

If one did not understand her, then they did not understand the era that she grew up in. She appreciated what many now take for granted. She knew how to look beneath the surface and qualify people for the honest attributes they possessed and were willing to share.

Her perspective was molded by a true appreciation of the God-given blessings bestowed upon her and by the value of honest work. Lessons she left her children included the ability to find something positive in any situation and the tenet of not judging lest you be judged.

She was preceded in death by husband, Ferrell Smithey, father, James Ammons, mother, Grace Ammons, grandmother, Claudia Davis (AKA Gumdrops), and brother, Bruce Ammons. She is survived by her, sons Michael and Jason Smithey, daughter Robin Frank, seven grandchildren (April, Melissa, Trevor, Austin, Travis, Emma, and Justin) and three great-granddaughters (Ava, Wrenley, and Summer) as well as her caregiver and close friend, Pamela.