Brenda Carlene Alcorn

Brenda Carlene Alcorn, born August 28, 1962, in Cookeville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Cookeville, Tennessee, at the age of 63.

Brenda had a vibrant and spirited personality. She was known for being fun, loud, and full of life; she was usually willing to try just about anything at least once. And if she loved you, you knew it!

Before retiring a couple of years ago, she worked in food service at Tennessee Tech, where she was known for her commitment and warmth; the students truly loved her. Beyond her career, she was an avid enthusiast of the outdoors—enjoying swimming, fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking, and being out on the boat. As she would say, “The lake is my happy place!” Brenda was always ready for the next adventure and truly loved her time spent traveling with Carl and her family. At home, she found a creative outlet in embroidery, sewing, and journaling, and she took great care in tending to her many plants. She also took pride in her appearance and was known for her signature style—always sporting her long blonde hair and perfectly painted fingernails—and finding joy in her favorite jewelry and the perfumes she loved to wear. She also liked canning, and over the past couple of years, she and her youngest daughter, Alexus, spent hours in the kitchen having a blast together—memories that Alexus deeply treasures.

Faith was a cornerstone of Brenda’s life. For over 30 years, she was a member of Trinity Assembly in Algood, where she was involved in Missionettes and taught Prims when her girls were younger; in later years there, she always had so much fun being involved with Vacation Bible School. More recently, she was an active member of Breakthrough Church in Cookeville, where she found joy in singing and participating in small groups that helped strengthen her faith. She had so much faith. Her daughters say her faith was steadfast and unwavering; even in her final days, her spirit remained completely unshakeable. She fought the good fight and kept her faith until the very last mile.

The love between Brenda and her daughters was profound, she adored them beyond measure. She also had a special, bondless love for her grandsons, Kamden and Conley, who adored their “Gammie” just as much as she loved them! She treasured every moment spent with “her angel boys”, and was a constant, proud presence in their lives. She spoke about them often and was incredibly proud of them and her daughters. Spending time with them, along with all her family, brought her great happiness, and she treasured every moment she had with them. She also loved her two poodles, Lillie and Parslie. Lillie, who is nearly fifteen years old, held such a special place in her heart, and Brenda especially missed her when she was away from home.

Life was not always easy for Brenda, but in the last couple of years before her illness, she found the strength to overcome her greatest hurdles and reach a place where things finally came together. Her daughters are immensely proud of the unconquerable spirit she showed and the peace, happiness, and freedom she ultimately claimed for herself. They will always love her more than words can say.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Dimple Hood; her stepfather, Clarence Carr; and the LOVE of her life and the father of her children, Ronnie Alcorn. In addition, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Glenna Bilbrey; her brothers, Mark Carr, Rick Herron, and Tim Herron; and her sister-in-law, Cindy Flatt.

Brenda leaves behind a loving family who cherished her deeply. She is survived by her daughters: Alicia (Nate) Theiss of Cookeville, Andrea (Michael) Smith of Baxter, and Alexus Alcorn (Alex Bates) of Cookeville; her brother, Doug Carr; and her sisters, Sherry Honeycutt and Arlene Collier—who became more than just her sister, she became her caregiver. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kamden Theiss and Conley Theiss; her devoted best friend, Carl Smith, Jr.; several loving nieces and nephews; and her brother-in-law, Glenn Alcorn, all of Cookeville.

Brenda Carlene Alcorn’s life will be remembered for her resilient spirit, her nurturing heart, and her unwavering devotion to family and faith. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the natural world she so dearly loved.

In honoring her wishes, her family has chosen cremation.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23, NIV)

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 931-268-1550