On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, after much suffering from ovarian cancer and diabetes, Brenda returned to God ready for the eternal life that is true life. Brenda was a source of joy and love to all who knew her. She had a kindness and compassion that is rare in most people. Her loss to us in incomprehensible. Brenda was the oldest of eight children born of the late Joe and Mabel Wheatley. She was a rock for all of her siblings, and she created bonds that cannot be broken. She was the same with all the friends she made from high school, work, and church--close friendships that she maintained until the end of her life. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James; and a grandchild, Donald; and her father and mother-in-law, Robert "RA" and Esther Childress.

Brenda is survived by her son, Sean Childress; daughter, Kelly Childress; granddaughter, Kate Hunt; and by her many brothers and sisters, their spouses, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loving relatives.

Brenda’s funeral Mass will be at Epiphany Catholic Church, 914 Old Harrods Creek Rd, Louisville, KY 40223, on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at the church before Mass from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., and burial at Calvary Cemetery, 1600 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY.

In lieu of flowers, you may choose to honor Brenda by donating to the Catholic Education Foundation or to Hosparus. You could also honor Brenda by praying for her family’s strength, with special prayers for the love of Brenda’s life, her five-year-old granddaughter Kate to have a life of love and happiness--like she did during all her special times with “Nana.”

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