Brenda Diane Pilson

Brenda Diane Pilson, age 76, of Knoxville, formerly of Maryville, received her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s ultimate peace and healing on Thursday, November 21,2024. Brenda lived a life marked by faith, compassion, encouragement and selflessness. Her generosity, kindness and consideration for others will forever be remembered and her legacy carried on by those she loved. Brenda was bom May 20, 1948, in Jackson, TN to the late Aaron and Nell Deatherage. While in Maryville, Brenda fulfilled the dream of becoming a mother, made many lifelong friendships and had a successful career in banking that would span over 40 years. During that time, she was on the board of directors and chairman of the board for several organizations including: United Way of Blount County, Maryville Kiwanis, Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Blount, American Business Womens Association, Haven House, Toys for Tots, March of Dimes and the list goes on. Brenda retired as the Senior Vice President of American Patriot Bank and returned part-time to Foothills Bank and Trust for a couple of years. In 1998, Brenda married Gary and moved to Knoxville. They enjoyed spending time at the lake on their houseboat with friends and family, visiting Gary’s family in Kentucky and becoming grandparents. The last several years they enjoyed weekly lunch dates with friends in their corvette club. Brenda also loved shopping, going out to eat, baking, watching sports and Hallmark movies. Every Christmas she would make a tray of goodies to deliver to her doctors. Brenda’s love for the Lord led her to write a teaching titled “The Makeup of a Spiritual Woman” that she taught at several women’s Bible studies. In the last year, she did monthly devotions with the residents at Morning Point in Lenoir City. Brenda was a kind, considerate, loving and devoted wife, mother, “Maw Maw”, daughter, sister and friend who will be forever missed but never forgotten. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Scott Andrew Murphy, parents Aaron and Nell Deatherage and brother, Randy Deatherage. Brenda is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 26 years, Gary, who was so supportive and dedicated to her caretaking. She is also survived by those she referred to as “my girls”: her daughter and best friend, Kelly Murphy Zeiger and granddaughter, Katy Zeiger, who was her absolute pride and joy; her son-in-law, Jay Zeiger; Mark and Chasity Pilson and grandson, John Pilson; cherished siblings, Ricky Deatherage, Sherry Malone (Mike), Judy Dukes, Danny Deatherage (Kathy), several nieces and nephews, the Kunz, Warren and Rogers families from Kentucky, special friends Mike/Susan, Chuck/Jeannie Murphy and their children. Those who wish to offer their respects may do so by signing a memorial book on Monday, December 2nd at Smith Funeral Home or visit online. Family and friends will gather for a graveside service on Tuesday, December 3rd, at 1:00 PM at Grandview Cemetery. Condolences may be shared through www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com, Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000.