Brenda Jo Elliott, 71, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 10:45 pm June 10, 2021 at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mount Vernon. Brenda was a dedicated nurse for over 35 years before retiring from Crossroads Community Hospital’s Scheduling Department in 2015. In her retirement, she enjoyed tending to her ferns, hydrangeas, rose bushes, and house plants; watching birds nest in her hanging plants; relaxing on the front porch swing and deck with her husband Stan as well as family and friends; and listening to music by her first love, Tom Petty. As an empty nester, she doted on her beloved Yorkie fur-babies, Kadie, Charlie, and Chance. Dearest to her heart was family. Brenda was especially close with her step-son Josh, step-daughter-in-law, Tena, and son-in-law, Chris. Brenda shared an unparalleled bond with her sisters Janis and Debra, and was dearly loved by her nieces and nephews. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her grandchildren and her best friend, her daughter Shanyon. Brenda passed peacefully surrounded by love and those who are closest and dearest to her heart.
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. A private interment will be held at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in McLeansboro, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Brenda’s honor to the National MS Society or National Kidney Foundation. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone who has not been vaccinated to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
In addition to her beloved husband, Brenda is survived by her children, Shanyon Carter and husband, Chris of Fairview Heights, Illinois and Josh Elliott and wife, Tena of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Jaxon Elliott, Jaci Elliott, Travin Elliott, Trace Elliott, and Cassady Carter; siblings, Steven Thomas, Janis Mitchell, and Debra Wall; and nieces and nephews, Shane Emrich and wife, Ambur, Lisa Gulley and husband, Zack, Jack Thomas, Rachel O’Brien and husband, Patrick, and Dylan Mitchell.
She was born May 18, 1950 in McLeansboro, Illinois to the late Jack and Mary (Lenard) Thomas. Brenda married Stan Elliott on August 31, 2002. They were blessed with nearly 19 years of marriage. In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her brothers, Alan Thomas and Keith Thomas.