Brenda Sue Poteet

Jackson, Tennessee long-time resident, Brenda Sue Poteet, 81, beloved wife, devoted mother, and a cherished, loving friend to all who knew her, has passed away from this Earth to await us all on the other side. Brenda, who died peacefully in her sleep, lost her battle to the Coronavirus and the complications it brought to her on December 18, 2020. She fought against it, all the while still trying to care for her family. This will surprise no one, as Brenda was the ultimate caregiver. Brenda was known as someone who always put the comfort and well-being of others before herself. True to form, her final days before hospitalization were spent trying to care for her husband, Terry, who also battled COVID-19. Brenda was born Brenda Sue Golden on July 29, 1939 in Pontiac, Michigan to parents John W. Golden and Ruby Nell (Green) Golden. Because of the poor health of her youngest brother, the family moved out west for a dryer desert climate, ultimately settling in Sacramento, California, and here Brenda lived, finished school and, in 1959, married Hugh Haines, with whom she had 2 sons. Brenda and Hugh divorced in 1967, and in 1968, Brenda married the love of her life, Terrence Poteet. Brenda and Terry moved to Jackson, Tennessee in 1970 and, aside from a brief time spent in Greenville, NC, they made Jackson their home. Brenda and Terry enjoyed over 52 years of marriage together. They traveled the world, visited numerous countries, lived briefly in Jakarta, Indonesia, and immersed themselves in what the cultures had to offer. They enjoyed the arts and especially theater. Brenda served as the president of the Jackson Theatre Guild several times over the course of many years, and even tried her hand at acting in some of the productions. But "Miss Brenda," as she was affectionately known, spent many nights behind the scenes of a great many productions, acting as stage manager, calling cues, and making sure that actors were prepared for every scene. Even with all of the travel, arts and opportunities, Brendas heart was for her family. She loved having large Thanksgiving dinners with family coming from all over. She and Terry would visit family regularly and entertained family as often as possible. As her many beloved relatives began to pass away over the years, their names were always mentioned and remembered at subsequent family gatherings. Brenda was the model of unconditional love. She simply wanted everyone she knew to be happy and to feel like they were appreciated. Brendas hospitality was a defining characteristic. "Making a fuss" over a guests comfort and well being was her hallmark. She simply wanted everyone to be happy. Brenda was the epitome of what it means to be a lady. Always perfectly put together, gracious, kind and warm. She had the rare quality of being genuinely happy for any good thing that came into the lives of the people she knew. No jealousy, no resentment in her beautiful heart for anyone. She was well loved and everyone lucky enough to know her wanted to be her friend. She was an absolute treasure of a human being. She loved her grandchildren so much, and took such pleasure in her role as a Nana. Her beautiful, big heart had enough room for everyone. She never forgot a birthday or an anniversary and spent her life in service of her family, friends and community. She was quick to praise and never had an unkind word for anyone. Brenda is survived by her husband, Terry Poteet; her sons Brian Haines and his wife, Muriel of Greenville, NC, and Bret Haines and his wife Jordana Hayes of Spring Hill, TN. Brenda had 1 granddaughter, Roxanne Terry Haines, and 3 grandsons, James Tomer, Devon Hayes and Dennis Hayes. She is also survived by her oldest brother, Bill W. Golden of Tazewell, TN. Brenda had multiple nieces, nephews and cousins that she also loved and stayed close to over the years. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 26th at 12:00 1:30 on at the Lawrence-Sorenson Funeral Home in Jackson, and graveside services will be held directly after visitation at the Highland Memorial Gardens cemetery. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to the Jackson Theatre Guild or your local food bank. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Brenda Sue Poteet, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.