Brenda S. Tinsley, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 28th, 2026, at the age of 82, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Born on a warm summer day, Friday, August 11th, 1944, daughter of Ray and Marjorie (Rice) Dempsey. In 1985, Brenda married Steven Tinsley and he survives.
Brenda dedicated 30 years of her life working as a Mental Health Technician at the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in Centralia. Her compassion and dedication touched many lives, leaving a legacy of care and kindness. Beyond her professional achievements, Brenda was a woman of varied interests and hobbies. She found peace and joy in fishing, solving word searches, and the thrill of discovering treasures at garage sales and auctions. More than anything, she cherished her family, taking immense pride in the accomplishments and happiness of her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Brenda’s love and spirit will continue to be celebrated by those she left behind. She is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Steven Tinsley of Centralia; her children, Pam Brown and husband David of Bethalto, Debbie Hammond and husband Mike of Chatham, Tony Massaro of Centralia, and Danny Massaro and wife Sam of Carlyle. She also leaves behind her special grandson, Anthony Massaro and wife Bri, stationed in Germany, along with grandchildren Dr. Jennifer Brown and fiancé Steve Parker of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Kelsie Hammond of Chicago, Chase Hammond of Chatham, Bri Massaro of Centralia, and Lian Massaro of Carlyle. Her memory will live on in her great-grandchild, Blaikley Massaro, her sister Phyllis Branch and husband Doug of Centralia, and her many nephews, friends, and extended family.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Marjorie Dempsey, her grandson, Dr. Bradley Brown, and her sister and brother-in-law, Barb Thurman and husband Bill.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held to honor Brenda’s incredible journey on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on the same day from 2:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Six Lemons, and will be graciously accepted by Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801. The family also welcomes online condolences and memories through the funeral home’s website at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and their Facebook page.
