Brenda Sue Smith

Brenda was born in New Albany, IN on November 4, 1958, the daughter of Nova June Cooper nee Tolliver and Farrell Hollen. Stepdaughter of Gerald Cooper and Gay Hollen and sister of Dianna Cox (Gary) of Clayton, Curtis Cooper of Greencastle, Patty Hollen Doyle (Frank) and Paul Robinson both of New Albany.

Brenda married Joseph Earl Smith on July 21st, 1984. Together they had two children, Rebecca Cotterill (Nobi) of Wolverhampton, England and Samuel Smith (Whitney) of Roachdale. They were lovingly married 31 years. He proceeded her in death July 26, 2015. From this union they were blessed with 7 grandchildren, Dakotah VanEvery, Kavaun (Jade), Keenan, Kendal and Kimberlyn Treadwell and Jeffrey and Jonas Smith and 2 step-grandchildren Curtis Cotterill and Honey Cottams. She was expecting her 1st great-grandchild in November 2023. Brenda was the beloved aunt of Tonya (Jimmy) Cummings and Matt (Whitney) Cox.

Brenda started working for the United States Postal Service in the 80’s. She started out as a mail processing clerk and worked her way up over the years, retiring as a mail processing supervisor after 25 plus years of service.

Brenda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy though was being a grandmother as her grandkids range from age 27 to 6. She was their biggest cheerleader and number 1 fan in life. She loved them fiercely and unconditionally. She spent a good part of her life attending all her grandkids’ functions from plays to recitals to sporting events. When she wasn’t spending time with her grandkids, she would be playing bingo or going to the casino with her mom and sister, Dianna. Brenda also shared a very special relationship with her daughter-in-law Whitney whom she loved as if she were one of her own children.

Five years after the death of her husband, Brenda met David Vanderipe, now deceased, who became her life partner. Dave and Brenda enjoyed each other tremendously. In July 2022, they embarked on a journey to visit her daughter and grandchildren in England. Their memories from the trip will be forever treasured.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe, life partner Dave and brother Curtis.

Service will be held Saturday September 9th at 6pm at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home, 4 Percy L Julian Drive, Greencastle, IN. Visitation will be from 3pm until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to North Putnam Youth Football, North Putnam Youth Baseball or a donation to brain cancer research in Brenda’s name.