Brenda Kay (DeFreece) Merriman, 77, of Batesville, Arkansas, passed away on May 13, 2026. She was born in Batesville, Arkansas, on May 8, 1949, to the late Grady DeFreece and Mae (Branscum) DeFreece. Brenda spent her entire life in the community she loved and was a woman of deep faith, kindness, and compassion. She was of the Baptist faith and attended Salado Baptist Church.

Brenda was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She had a caring and gentle spirit, always thinking of others before herself and making sure those around her were loved and cared for. Brenda enjoyed reading romance novels, keeping up with the news, and spending time with the people she held so dear. She had a beautiful heart and touched many lives through her kindness and love. Most importantly, Brenda recently rededicated her life to Christ and found great comfort and peace in her love for Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Grady DeFreece and Mae (Branscum) DeFreece; her son, Russell Merriman; her grandson, Billy Joe Sample; and her sisters, Pam VanTuyl and Wanda Nelson.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, James Merriman and wife, Tammera; her daughter, Kim Sample and husband, Joey; her grandchildren, Cody Sample and wife, Melony, Jared Merriman and wife, Olivia, Blake Merriman, Megan Pate, and Justin Franks and wife, Holly; along with 16 beloved great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her loving sisters, Vickie Martin and husband, Garon, and Mary Painter and husband, Ronnie; brothers-in-law, Scott VanTuyl and Tommy Nelson; together with many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and treasured friends whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

The family will hold a private service for immediate family only.

Brenda’s love was the kind that made people feel safe, welcomed, and deeply cared for. Her laughter, warm hugs, gentle heart, and unwavering love for her family will be missed beyond words. Though her family’s hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the arms of Jesus. Her memory will live on in every story shared, every family gathering, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. She may be gone from this earthly life, but the love she gave so freely will remain forever.