Brenda Reece
June 17, 1948 – August 13, 2025

Brenda Reece, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many, went home to be with the Lord on August 13, 2025. A lifelong resident of Carter County, Brenda was known for her open heart, generous spirit, and the way she made everyone feel like family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Reece; her parents; her stepdaughter Amanda Reece; and her siblings Georgia Hazelwood, Barbara Gryder, Roger Tester, and Charles Tester. She is survived by her children, Adam Reece (Jilian) and Heather Coleman (Terry Richardson); her stepdaughter Taria Friesland (Calvin); her treasured grandchildren, Clara Friesland, Jessica Penley, Carter Reece, Annabelle Fontana, Bri Coleman, Cole Reece, Cash Reece, Charlie Reece and; her siblings L.C. Tester, Jimmy Tester (Phyllis), Terry Tester (Kathy), Sherry Sheets, Mike Tester (Connie), and Jack Tester; and countless "bonus kids" who found a safe haven in her home over the years. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces whom she loved dearly.

Brenda loved her church, Elizabethton Full Gospel Church, deeply and lived her faith in every action. She had a special gift for nurturing — whether it was tending her garden, lending a listening ear, or feeding her famous chicken casserole to every child who walked through the Reece family door. Known to many as "Grammy," she was truly the grandmother to half of Carter County.

Her family would like to give special thanks to caregiver Shannon Banner, nurse Jillian Merchant-Shemenski and the Amedysis hospice team for their kindness, dedication, and care.

She loved peace, she loved the Lord, and she showed that love daily through her kindness, patience, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others. Her life was a testament to service, compassion, and grace, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to bloom in the lives she touched.

Receiving friends will be held on Wednesday, August 20th from 1-2pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel with graveside service to follow at 3 p.m. Her brother: L.C. Tester will be officiating at the Reece Cemetery, Whaleytown Road, Butler. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the remarkable woman who gave so much of herself to her family, her community, and her faith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her beloved church in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Reece family