Brenda Butler Carter, born on July 6, 1945, in Jennings, FL, to Johnny Butler, Sr., and Dorothy Kinsey Butler, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024. A lifelong resident of Jennings, Brenda dedicated her life to her family, her community, and her faith.

Brenda loved sports and set out for a career in physical education which spanned well over 30 years. She was a beloved teacher, basketball coach, and cheerleading coach, touching the lives of countless students.  She began her career at the elementary and middle schools in Jasper and then invested a couple of years at the school in Statenville, GA, but most of her service was spent at North Hamilton Elementary in Jennings. Her patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in every child's potential made her a beloved figure in the lives of her students. Brenda was more than a teacher; she was a mentor, a confidante, and a role model. She had the extraordinary ability to recognize the strengths in each child, often drawing out talents and abilities they didn't know they had. Her approach wasn't just about educating; it was about teaching them to believe in themselves.

Brenda's love for education extended far beyond the curriculum; she nurtured each child's spirit and individuality. Even after retiring from full-time teaching, she continued to mentor and inspire young people by teaching Driver's Education at Hamilton County High School and attending their sports games. She, with her son Jarrett at her side, was a fixture at all the local sports events, attending as many as she could, even long after she had retired. She was also present at every graduation she could attend, showing her unwavering support for the students of her community.

As much as Brenda loved children and helping them get a strong foundation, her faith in God was the cornerstone of her life. She was a faithful member of Jennings United Methodist Church (now known as Jennings Community Church), where she played the piano for services throughout her life. She also shared her musical talents with St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Hamilton County and graciously filled in at any service at other churches or functions that needed a piano player. Brenda was committed to ensuring everyone in her community could attend church, often driving the church bus to provide transportation to those in need.  She was always looking for ways to help others and she had a gift for finding them.  She lived out her life so that others could see and come to know Jesus.

When not busy with her church and community activities, Brenda enjoyed a little gardening.  She had a love for flowers, with pansies being her favorite. However, with the time she spent on the road going to sporting events and church events, there wasn't much time left over for the other things she enjoyed.

Brenda is survived by her four sons: Chad Carter (Charla) of Bossier City, LA, Jason Carter of East Palatka, John Carter (Melissa) of Tallahassee, and Jarrett Carter of Jennings. She also leaves behind her brother, Johnny Butler, Jr. (Pat) of Jennings, and her sister, Barbara DeVane of Tallahassee. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Seth Carter, Meagan Pittman, Jordan Carter, Emily Carter, and Kate Carter, as well as her great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend, Randall Carter, and her sister, Linda Goolsby.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Jennings United Methodist Church (now Jennings Community Church) in Jennings, FL. Brenda will be laid to rest at Sassers Landing Cemetery in Jennings, FL. To honor her life, a celebration of Brenda's legacy will take place at Corinth Christian Academy auditorium on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00PM.

Brenda's legacy as an educator and faithful servant will be remembered not just for the lessons she taught, but for the lives she touched. Brenda's impact on the children she worked with and the community members she helped was profound, leaving an everlasting mark on their hearts that they will carry with them throughout their lives.