Brenda Kay Benge

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of Brenda Kay Benge, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Brenda gracefully left this world on May 20, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by her cherished children, a testament to the love and devotion she nurtured throughout her life. Born on January 18, 1949, in the quaint town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Brenda was the cherished daughter of James D. Long and Lavern Kelly Long. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and her dear sister, Sharon Lee Long, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. Brenda's journey through life was marked by her capacity to bring warmth and kindness to those fortunate enough to know her. A resident of JJ’s RV Park, Brenda was well-known as the unofficial welcoming party, a role she embraced with open arms and a generous heart. Her natural ability to make everyone feel at home was a testament to her belief that strangers were simply friends she had yet to meet. Brenda’s infectious smile and genuine interest in others made her a beacon of light in her community. Brenda found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, particularly in nurturing her garden. Her love for working in her yard with her flowers was not just a hobby, but a reflection of her nurturing spirit and her appreciation for the beauty in the world around her. Each bloom was a testament to her gentle care and attention, mirroring the way she tended to the relationships in her life. Brenda is survived by her loving children, Sharon Harvey and her son, John Teague (Missi), who continue to carry forward her legacy of love and kindness. Her presence is also deeply missed by her eight adoring grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. Brenda’s family was the center of her universe, each member holding a special place in her heart. As we celebrate Brenda’s life, we are reminded of the love and light she brought into our lives. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who were touched by her kindness and compassion. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff of nurses and caregivers at the ICU Department of National Park Medical Center. Their loving care and support during Brenda’s final days provided comfort and peace to both Brenda and her family. In honoring Brenda's memory, let us remember her as a woman of grace, warmth, and unwavering love. Her legacy will live on through the beautiful garden she cultivated in the lives of those she loved. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to honor Brenda’s memory to plant a flower in her name or extend a hand of friendship to a stranger, as Brenda would have done. May her soul rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the beauty of the garden she so lovingly tended.