Brenda Ann Ellis Templeton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brenda Ann Ellis Templeton, a woman whose life was a testament to kindness and a life in Christ. Brenda, age 81, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, in Woolmarket, Mississippi.

Born on October 28, 1943, in Asheboro, North Carolina, Brenda was the daughter of Alfred Benton Ellis and Allie Fanny Bean Ellis. She was the youngest and last of her siblings – Harold, Billy, Francis (Coward), Richard, and Margaret (Groome) – to pass. Her early life in North Carolina shaped the values she carried throughout her years: faith, family, and community.

As a loving wife to Don Templeton and a caring mother to their son, John, she embraced her daughter-in-law, Aisa Templeton, with open arms and took great pride in being a grandmother to Savannah and Averie. Time spent with her granddaughters brought her immense joy and fulfillment.

Brenda’s faith in Christ was the cornerstone of her life, supporting her and all those around her. During her moves throughout the southeast with Don’s work, Brenda always became involved with her local church and community, leaving her graceful mark on people’s lives wherever she went. After moving to Mississippi to be closer to her granddaughters, Brenda became an integral part of Biloxi First United Methodist Church where she treasured the fellowship she found there.

She will always be remembered for her steadfast faith, unfaltering strength, joyous spirit, and the deep love she held for those closest to her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Biloxi First United Methodist Church in Biloxi on Thursday, April 24th, at 2:00pm. Brenda will be taken home to Bethany Community Methodist Church in Franklinville, North Carolina where she will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 8th, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Seashore Mission at www.seashoremission.org where Brenda often provided her time and effort.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Brenda Ann Ellis Templeton.