Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Simpson Anthony-Brendel

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Simpson Anthony-Brendel, aged 95, passed away quietly on Saturday, February 25, 2017 in Collierville, TN at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House with family at her side. Betty was born April 26, 1921 to Denver C. and Faye Adams Simpson in Short Creek, Ohio. Prior to attending Pittsburg College for Women (now known as Chatham University) in 1939, Betty graduated from Cadiz High School in Cadiz, OH. While in Pittsburg, Betty met her future husband, William “Bill” John Anthony Sr. on a blind date, and the two were wed about a year later, or on November 1st, 1941. Betty and Bill’s marriage produced three sons, William John Anthony II (Patricia G. Anthony), Robert D. Anthony (Lily Anthony), and Mark Simpson Anthony (Marcia T. Anthony). All of whom reside in Memphis today. In addition to being a fulltime mother, Betty was instrumental in facilitating her husband’s career. Bill worked as an engineer and project director with firms such as the Hercules Gunpowder Company, Merck Pharmaceuticals— where, at the age of 37, he was in charge of building the company’s very first penicillin plant, Velsicol Chemical Company, and Humko (Kraft Foods)— acquiring natural gas wells the firm needed to guarantee energy for production because of the 1973-1974 OPEC oil embargo scare. The Anthony’s called Wilmington, DE, New Brunswick, NJ, Elkton, VA, and Marshall, IL home before finally settling in Memphis in 1960. While in Memphis, Betty enjoyed a career as secretary to The University of Memphis’ Home Economics Chair, Dr. Marquita Irland. After the Bill’s untimely death on December 1976, Betty married George Brendel in July of 1979, a family friend who also lost a spouse in 1976. During their time together the couple resided in Pompano Beach and Clearwater, FL. Subsequent to George’s passing in August 1987, Betty divided her time between Clearwater and Memphis; allowing her to fully enjoy the bonds she cultivated in both locations. Beginning in 2009, Betty’s time in Memphis found her at Trezevant Manor; where she capitalized upon the opportunity of forging new friendships with fellow tenants. In 2014, Betty’s health often interrupted of her travels to Clearwater and led her to take up residence within Trezevant’s assisted living facility. A true practitioner of compassion, Betty was involved with several benevolent organizations in the Memphis area, which included frequently participating in The Salvation Army’s support network for women & victims of domestic violence. As a member of the St. Augustine’s guild within the Church of the Holy Communion, Betty devoted her time to raising funds for Youth Service, an organization known today as Bridge Builders. While in Florida, she was an active parishioner of Largo’s St. Paul United Methodist Church. In addition to her sons, Betty is survived by: two sisters, Peggy Simpson Booth and Lillian Simpson Smith; three grandchildren, Cindy Anthony Kelso (Jon Kelso), Candace Elizabeth Anthony (Justin Ellis), and William Tate Anthony; as well as three great grandchildren, Austin and Blake Kelso plus Sequoia Ellis. Betty also leaves behind the member of her family whom she loved most, Bentley, a soon to be two year old Weimaraner. A 2 P.M. reception for all Trezevant residents will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 at Trezevant Terrace with a 10:00 A.M. visitation for family and friends on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens (3700 N. Germantown Rd., Bartlett, TN 38133) followed by a 10:30 A.M. graveside service. Reverend James K. Karanja of St. Peter’s Anglican Church will preside over the ceremonies. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be sent to: Bridge Builders (http://bridgesusa.org/youth-programs/), The Salvation Amy (http://salvationarmyusa.org/), Chatham University(https://www.chatham.edu/giving/), or The Trezevant Foundation (http://www.trezevantmanor.org/donate).