Brenda Faye Sherrill Schwall

Brenda Faye Sherrill Schwall, age 71, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully in her sleep with her husband beside her early Thursday morning, May 4, 2017. She fought a brave 14 ½ year battle with breast cancer.

She will be remembered as one of the friendliest people you could ever know, never meeting a stranger. She was a soulmate and love of a lifetime to Jim, loving and caring mother and grandmother. She made her house a welcome home. She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for her family, including 2 wedding dresses, prom and May Day Dresses and dedication dresses for all five granddaughters.

She graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1964 and received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Chattanooga in 1968. She also took postgraduate courses.

Brenda retired from teaching in the Hamilton County school system, teaching with the Concentrated Employment Program, at Alton Park Middle, North Chattanooga Middle and Hunter Middle schools.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, Golden Gateway since she was 6 years old, being an integral part of the church family, including the Sanctuary Choir, teaching and secretary in the youth department, and church historian. Brenda also provided leadership as president of the Embroider’s Guild, president of the church choir, and Gideon Auxiliary Treasurer.

One of Brenda’s greatest accomplishments was as a genealogist. She co-authored and published a 500+ page book on the Johnston family and also competed a volume on the Carver family. She also had researched and taken notes on many other families.

She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now there is in store for her a crown of righteousness.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother and father, Cleona and Willard Sherrill; natural parents, Jean Russell Wever and Gurnie Johnston; brother, Jimmy Johnston.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Jim; her children, Amy (Mike) Dean and Andy (Regina) Schwall; 5 grandchildren, Hadley, Lauren, Megan, Kate and Anna; brothers, Ronnie Johnston, Ricky Johnston, and Bruce Johnston; sister, Vicky Lynn Johnston; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm on Saturday, May 6, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home and 1 to 2 pm on Sunday, May 7, at First Baptist Church, Golden Gateway, 401 Gateway Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Brenda’s Celebration of Life will follow at 2 pm on Sunday, at First Baptist Church Sanctuary with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry officiating. Burial will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brenda’s memory to the Cleona Sherrill fund at First Baptist Church, Golden Gateway or the American Cancer Society, 6221 Shallowford Road, Suite 102, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN.