November 22, 2020, 79, Kinston

Brenda Foss Garris, 79, was welcomed into her eternal home on Sunday, November 22, 2020. Brenda was born in Lenoir County to the late Lytle Ray and Louie Del Thomas Foss. In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her sons, Preston Duane Garris, Emmett Lytle Garris, and Brendan Joseph “BJ” Garris; and her sister, Lorretta F. Layden.

Brenda grew up on the family farm just outside of La Grange in the Jenny Lind community. As a farm girl, Brenda became very fond of nature, enjoying the birds and especially the flowers.

As a military wife, Brenda traveled many places while raising her children, from Camp LeJeune to New Jersey to California, and finally back to her home town. Living in Beston at the time, she worked for several years at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Brenda’s artistic ability was beyond comprehension. She was an excellent painter and could arrange flowers beautifully. She used her talents for many years at Southern Florist in La Grange where she worked alongside several owners. Her customers were fond of her work and loved the opportunity to chat with her when they stopped by.

A service to celebrate and remember Brenda’s life will be held by the graveside on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 12:00 noon at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange. The family will greet friends after the service.

Brenda is survived by her son, Joel Franklin Garris and wife, Natalie Newman Garris; grandchildren, Joshua Duane Garris, Bethany G. Rhodes, Natalie Noel Garris, and Joel Franklin Garris II; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, George Foss and Michael Foss; and numerous nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Susan H. Conway.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.