Brenda Smith
1957 – 2018
Ellijay, Ga

Brenda Key Smith, was born on July 14, 1957, in Tate, GA. Brenda was the fourth of seven children born to Hugh (Brown) and Ruth Richards. 
 
 Brenda, together with her first husband, Randall Key, were proud parents of three beautiful children: Michelle, Derek, and Dedra. Brenda dedicated her life to her family and her children until they were all of school age.  She then began a career in banking, where she enjoyed working and serving her clients and community for many years. 
 
Outside of banking, Brenda and her late husband, Roy Smith, spent all of their free time, loving on and spoiling their three grandchildren: Dawson, Kalli, and Dylan.  Brenda also enjoyed shopping and thrifting with her sisters, hosting Friday night dinners at her house for her children and grandchildren, soaking in time with her family.  
 
Brenda was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2003. After the necessary treatments, she was in remission and enjoying her children, grandchildren, and work in banking. Due to the stress of the sudden and unexpected death of her late husband Roy, the leukemia returned, and she once again went through treatment.
Brenda was always a fighter!
In 2013, Brenda was diagnosed with throat cancer. She immediately made the selfless decision to fight through aggressive treatments, knowing how much her children and grandchildren, friends and family loved and needed her.
After four years of suffering from horrendous, side effects from the radiation and chemotherapy, Brenda peacefully passed away on March 6, 2018, with family by her side.
 
 Brenda's legacy is one of love, strength, and dignity. She is survived by her children Michelle, Derek, and Dedra; her grandchildren Dawson, Kalli, and Dylan, and her siblings Ellouise, George, Lenn, Loretta, and Lynette. She is deeply missed by all who knew her.
 
 A celebration of Brenda's life was held on March 9, at East Ellijay Baptist Church where friends and family gathered to honor Brenda.