Brenda Wells Bedford, 77, passed away Friday, January 24 in Jonesboro, GA. Born January 18, 1943 in Salvisa, KY, Brenda was the daughter of the late Homer and Oatney (Drury) Wells.

Warm, kind, and always a servant to others, Brenda started out as an English teacher. She soon realized her true calling in education – working with children with the greatest needs, those whose disabilities made school challenging for them.  Brenda left the classroom to serve as the Director of the Oconee Psychoeducational Program which served children with serious needs, from birth to age 21 years and their families and schools in a seven-county area in Georgia.  In her role as Director, Brenda worked relentlessly with many agencies to change the paradigm for groups serving the neediest children and families from "your children" and "my children" to "our children."

Although she spent most of her adult life in Georgia, Kentucky was always "home" for Brenda. She also loved going to the beach. It was a place that brought her true peace and happiness. Brenda was also a voracious reader; she could always be found with a book nearby. During basketball season, however, even a good book couldn't keep Brenda from watching her beloved UK Wildcats.

Most of all, Brenda loved her family with an unwavering love. She loved every moment, story, and adventure. She especially found joy in even the smallest things her children and grandchildren would do and say.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Victoria Bedford of Jonesboro, GA; her son Dirk Bedford (Shelly Lee) of Charleston, SC; her son Jacob Bedford (Diane) of College Station, TX; five grandchildren, Brandon Bedford, Della Lee-Bedford, Xander Lee-Bedford, Skylar Bedford, and Hunter Bedford; and her sister Dianne Wells of Lawrenceburg, KY.

A memorial service to celebrate Brenda's life will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 11:00 am at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg, KY. The family will host family and friends prior to the service at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, Brenda asked that donations be made to the Kirkwood Baptist Church Cemetery Foundation, 1955 Kirkwood Rd, Salvisa, KY 40372. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com .