Brenda Stone

Brenda Susan Stone, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed from this life on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on October 2, 1948, in Stonewall, to the late Miles Amos and Emma Azalee Mitchem Bolick, Brenda devoted her life to education and nurturing the next generation through her passion for teaching.

A proud graduate of Lafe High School in 1966, Brenda furthered her education at Arkansas State University, where she earned her degree from business college. For over 40 years, she cherished her role as a preschool teacher, sharing her love for learning at Brad Headstart, Little Red School House in Marmaduke, and Greene County Tech Preschool. Additionally, she exhibited her unwavering commitment to education as a nursery teacher at St. John's Lutheran Church, where she served faithfully for more than 20 years. She cherished young children, and she made certain no child ever left her class without knowing John 3:16. Every child that was in her care, she always remembered and loved for the rest of her days.

On October 18, 1969, Brenda married her dearest love, Jerry Stone, with whom she shared countless cherished memories. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life praising God and raising their daughters. Brenda found immense happiness in gardening, canning, reading, and working on crossword puzzles, yet her most treasured moments were those spent with her grandchildren.

Brenda was a devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lafe, where she actively participated in church activities and formed lasting friendships within her community. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Jerry Stone; her daughters, Andra Pate of Lafe, Karina (Randy) Martin of Paragould, and Jeri Dawn (Adam) Lanenga of Plant City, Florida; grandchildren, Rebecca (Kyle) Allman, Nash McCrory, and Hudson Lanenga; brothers, Miles Amos (Betty) Bolick, Jr. and William "Bill" Bolick; sister, Ann (Orin) Tritch; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her cousin, who was more like a sister, Delores Jean Fulton.

In honor of Brenda's remarkable life and service, family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at St. John's Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM with Pastor Aaron Neugebauer officiating, Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin Tritch, Christopher Bolick, Jason Tritch, Stacy Tritch, Kim Tritch, and David Lange. Honorary Pallbearers are Randy Martin, Tommy McCrory, Adam Lanenga, and Terry King. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church, 11530 Highway 135 North, Lafe, AR 72436.

Brenda Susan Stone will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her kindness, dedication to education, and the love she shared with all who knew her. May she rest in peace.