Brenda Whittemore Davis

Brenda Whittemore Davis, age 82, of Maryville passed away July 8, 2024 leaving behind memories of a lively, energetic, active and compassionate soul with her family and friends. She was born July 27, 1941 in Blount County; graduated from Alcoa High School in 1959 and from TN Tech in 1963 with a BS in Elementary Education. Following college, she taught school in Nashville, was married to Richard in 1964 and continued to teach at Ft. Campbell, KY, and in Germany. During her service as a devoted Army Wife and Mother, Brenda was active in family support activities and was a leader in numerous Army Communities. In the 31 years Richard and Brenda served together in the US Army, Brenda's strength of character, organizational ability, compassion and leadership was repeatedly demonstrated as she adroitly managed the family's transfer to twenty different Army Posts throughout the World including ten years in Germany; as she efficiently transformed numerous empty houses into warm, family friendly homes; as she coped with the loneliness of inevitable separations incurred in an Army career and the fear inherent in combat assignments; and as she organized and led numerous family support groups. Brenda had a major role in Richard's Army success by being a mentor, friend and activities planner for hundreds of soldier wives assigned to Richard's commands. This made for more happier, more contented families and thereby made his commands more successful all the while being Richard's chief confidant and supporter. She, an Army Wife, served her Nation with distinction. She loved running, exercising, hiking and being with family. A Beloved Wife and Mother, she had a lion's heart, a warrior's spirit and the compassion of a Saint who stubbornly battled multiple serious illnesses in her later years. Was a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Gladys Whittemore and brother Jerry. Survivors include husband Richard of 60+ years, Son Douglas of Atlanta; sister Marilyn (John) Prospero; brothers Doug (Nan) Whittemore, Seymour, and Jim (Joy) Whittemore, Knoxville; sister-in-law Zella Whittemore of Jefferson City; nieces Beth (Jimmy) Pye, Knoxville, and Karen (David)Yeager, Rumania; Jamie (Scott) Reed, Lancaster, OH; nephews Tim (Sherry) Whittemore, Jeff (Michelle) Davis, grand nieces Emily and Allison Pye, Braidyn & Brenna Reed & Morgan Davis; grand nephews Ben & Brody Whittemore, Wynn Davis; and brother-in-law Ray (Diane) Davis of Lexington, KY.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted Saturday, July 27, at New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 W. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37801 at 11 AM. Preceding the Service, Family will welcome friends in at 10 AM; refreshments will be served after the Service in West Minister Hall. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to either the UT Cancer Center, Medical Building F, 1926 Alcoa Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 or the Blount County Humane Society, 1005 E. Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.