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Brenda Joyce (Ethridge) Demps went to be with Her Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 13, 2026. She was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. “Mother’s house” was where the whole family gathered; kids, meals and memories were enjoyed there.
Brenda, “Mother” died in her childhood home, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Oak Ridge, TN at the age of 85. Brenda is survived by her children; Regina (Gina) L. Ridenour [Allen] of Andersonville, Lisa K. McLaughlin [Andy] of Oak Ridge, and Darla D. Gamble [Marc] of Knoxville. Grandchildren are Jessica (McLaughlin) Brock [Jay] of Knoxville, Justin Ridenour of Knoxville, Jaimee McLaughlin of Oak Ridge, Lauren (Ridenour) Webb [John] of Nolensville, TN; Jill (McLaughlin) Castleberry [Adam] of Knoxville, Jacob (Jake) McLaughlin [Brittney] of Murfreesboro, TN; Hannah (Gamble) Berkley [Shelby] of Knoxville, and Erin Gamble of Knoxville. Great-Grandchildren are: Jayson Brock, Jensen Brock, Easton Donoghue, Sadie Castleberry, Jaxson Castleberry, Barrett McLaughlin, Henry Webb, Louis Webb, and Hattie Berkley. Remaining living brother, Richard Thomas (Tommy) Ethridge of Oak Ridge, TN. Brenda has several nieces, nephews, and cousins that would come to visit and help when they could. She was a beloved family member that will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, mother, Jackie E. (Gilham) Ethridge and father, Charles C. Ethridge of Oak Ridge, TN; her brothers, Charles Carroll (Junior) Ethridge, Jr. (Birmingham, Alabama), Charles Franklin (Frank) Ethridge (Houston, Texas), Jack Carroll (Jack) Ethridge (Oliver Springs, TN), James Downing (Don) Ethridge (Springfield, Ohio), and her first cousin, Charlene (Chon/ Mimi) Newman. And her special friend, Frank [Frankie] Thursby, (Oak Ridge, TN).
Brenda was born on June 22, 1940, in Fairfield Highlands, Alabama to Jackie Gilham and Charles (Jim) Ethridge. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1958. She kept in touch with high school friends, even attending one of their latest class reunions, 55 years. She was married to Richard L. Demps and had three children, whom she enjoyed going on school activities such as scouts, band, and sports. She was instrumental in starting the Saturday league youth basketball, and Girl Scouts at the Norwood unit. She and Dee Cress started the youth girls’ softball league in Oak Ridge. Mother also enjoyed camping, swimming, and traveling when she could. After moving back to Oak Ridge, Brenda started her career in Jefferson Standard Life Insurance. She started her second career as Administrative Assistant when she started working at ORNL- Fusion Energy in Oak Ridge, TN. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tusculum College in 1997. This was a big accomplishment since she was working full time, attending college (online and in-person), and caring for her aging mother with cancer.
Brenda was a woman of encouraging faith and a dedicated prayer warrior, and was most passionate about her family and church, Heritage Fellowship Church. “Mother” as most people knew her, will be remembered for her overwhelming need to welcome others in her life activities such as family social events and church gatherings. Brenda had a deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her unwavering commitment to spread His love and kindness to everyone she encountered. She had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path, even in her last days with Hospice. She rarely met a stranger!
She loved attending the grandkids’ events, and more recently the great-grandkids activities. She was active in her church with Women’s fellowship, Friends’ Fellowship, and ORHS class of ’58 Girls Night Out.
A funeral is scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2026, at 3:00 pm with a friends and family visitation from 1:00-3:00 pm at Heritage Fellowship Church, 121 N. Illinois Ave, Oak Ridge, TN. Jason Sharpe, Heritage Fellowship pastor will open and close the ceremony. Burial will be Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 am at Anderson Memorial Cemetery, 640 Oliver Springs Hwy, Clinton, TN.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Brenda’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Jude’s Hospital, Friends of the Smokies, Anderson County Cancer Society, or local charity of choice. Condolences can be sent on the Weatherford Mortuary website, https://www.weatherfordmortuary.com/
The immediate family would like to thank special friends and family- Janice Powers, Betty Webb, Phyllis Sumner, Vickie Johnson Stout, and Kori Dison in their care, dedication, and support throughout Brenda’s illness.
