'You Fought a Good Fight'

Brenda Ann Williams, 67, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Brenda was born to Walter and Cora Lee Williams (Danley) on April 24, 1955, in Clarkedale, Arkansas.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Johnny Rucker of Rockford, Illinois.

Brenda accepted Christ at an early age, and her faith became a cornerstone of her existence. Brenda graduated from Marion High School in 1973, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Future Homemakers of America and was elected to the homecoming court. During high school, she also fell in love with her future husband, Birkes Williams. An avid reader, her commitment to learning led her to become the first college graduate from her family at her esteemed alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, leading her to embark on a career in home and consumer science education. From 1973-1977 as an undergraduate student, she actively participated in the American Homemakers Association. In November 1975, she became a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. After graduating cum laude, she later attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to attain her master's in education in May 1980. In April 1983, she was initiated into Phi Delta Kappa at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

After college, she embarked on a 38-year career in education, beginning at Dermott Public Schools and culminating in her retirement from Hot Springs World Class High School in 2015. She was often lauded for her ability to relate with her students and provide a listening ear during times of their distress. After retirement, she continued her public service as a volunteer for CHI St. Vincent Hospital and Dupont Learning Center. Her hobbies included shopping, reading, traveling, interior design, sewing, and great conversation with good company. She was a 30-plus-year member of Roanoke Baptist Church, where she served on the Mother's Board, was a choir member, and taught at Vacation Bible School. She used her background in home and consumer sciences to aid in various auxiliary clubs and community endeavors. She was also a member of the Hot Springs Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 45 years, Birkes Williams, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; her daughter, Miranda R. Craig (Warrick) of Harker Heights, TX; her son, Birkes Talton (Candace) of Huntsville, AL; and her jewel grandchildren, BreAnn, Warrick Jr., and Birkes Jaxson. Her surviving siblings include brothers, Joseph Nance, Harry Williams, Walter Williams, Jr., and Bill Williams, and sisters include, Doris Lemons (Errol), Sandra Douglas, Wanda Williams, and Savannah Hayes (Ricky), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and her beloved students.

The visitation service will be on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 5:00 -7:00 pm at Roanoke Baptist Church 138 Whittington Ave Hot Springs, Ark. 71901. The Omega Omega Service will be Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 8:45. The funeral service will be on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10:00 am at Roanoke Baptist Church 238 Whittington Ave Hot Springs, Ark. 71901. The burial will follow immediately after the funeral at Paradise Gardens 184 Minnis Dr. Edmondson, AR. 72332. Coming off 240, exit 271 take a right to 147 South. Then you will travel about 3 more miles on the right.

'Well done, My Good and Faithful Servant!'

The guest registry is at http://www. carriganmemorial.com