Brenda Faye Barrs, 79, of Gaston, South Carolina, passed away on February 19, 2026, at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia. She was born on November 6, 1946, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Fay Clyde and Mary Frances Simmons.

Brenda lived a life centered on kindness and caring for others, especially her family. She was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy was nurturing those she loved. She had a deep passion for gardening and cooking. With a true green thumb, Brenda possessed remarkable knowledge about planting and growing vegetables and flowers. One of her favorite pastimes was working outdoors and admiring the beauty of her gardens.

In the kitchen, she was equally gifted. Cooking and baking for family and friends was her love language. She was every bit the equal of her grandmother, Doris Givens, when it came to preparing meals filled with comfort and flavor. Feeding others brought her joy.

Brenda also had a special love for animals, especially birds and dogs. She cared for three birds for more than 20 years, and one beloved bird, Henry, remains. Her windows were always adorned with bird feeders, and she found daily happiness watching them. She and James mourned the loss of their cherished dogs, Pepper and Sasha. Their dog Sassy remains with James.

Brenda was known most for her sweet, nurturing spirit and her unwavering kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Though she may no longer walk beside us, Brenda’s spirit endures in every shared story, every loving memory, and every gentle breeze. She lives on in the smiles she inspired and the love she gave so freely.

She is survived by her husband of thirty-nine years, James B. Barrs; her children, Timmy Tadlock (Debbie), Charlene McCarter (James), Chuck Tadlock (Becky), and Clyde Tadlock; her stepson, Adam Barrs; four grandchildren, Michael Peake, Christy Tadlock, Thomas Tadlock, and Cutter McCarter; and nine great-grandchildren;  Briyson, Sebastian, William, Christian, Blakelin, Preston, Carly Grace, Adalyn, and Amelia.

She is also survived by her special sister-in-law, Theresa Simmons; her special nieces, Suzanne and Braylin Pickrel, Brandi Andrews, and Angela Harrison; and many cousins and uncles, including Teresa Brown, Holly Cottrell, Kristie Hutson, Rose Ellen Givens, Billy Givens, and Terry Givens.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Mary Frances Simmons, and her two beloved brothers, Fay Clyde Simmons and Tommy Frances Simmons.

“Eternal rest grant unto Brenda, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.”