Brenda Conley

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Brenda Conley
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    Brenda Louise Jacobs Conley was born Saturday, April 5, 1947. She was born at home in a little house that sat on top of the Nantahala Dam. She was the first born child to Ruby Morgan Jacobs and Charles Austin Jacobs, and both preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by a precious nephew, Ryan Harper.
    Brenda left peacefully Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, surrounded by family. 
    She is now gone from our sight, shucking her fragile earthly body to join her parents, Ruby and Austin, in heaven. 
    She had six brothers and sisters, and she is survived by all six: sister, Judy Harper; brother, James (Jim) Jacobs and wife Rhonda; brother, Howell Jacobs and wife Vivian; brother, Tim Jacobs and wife Michelle; sister, Debbie Bryson and husband Mike; and sister, Lisa Jacobs. 
    As the oldest child, she held the responsibility of often being the caretaker for her siblings, whom all she dearly loved.
    At age 17, she married Austin Conley of Andrews, who also survives his beloved wife. At 23, she began motherhood and became the mother to their three daughters: Jeana Conley, married to Randy Bryant of Andrews; April Tallant and husband Mack Tallant of Robbinsville; and Susann McWhorter of Caledonia. Miss. She was the proud Nana of three precious grandsons: Alex Hardin of Atlanta, Ga., Chase Hardin of Charlotte, and Jackson Tallant of Robbinsville.
    Brenda was a dedicated wife, mother and, first and foremost, she treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nana.
    She is also survived many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors who were frequent visitors to her during her extended illness.
    Her sister-in-law, Vivian, already a precious friend, gave selflessly to enable the family to keep her comfortable, and allow her to live and spend her final years at home. Her three daughters are so grateful to have been able to spend and share such valuable time with their mother.
    She spent 28 years dedicating her life to children, working as an assistant and eventually a director of a Southwestern Child Development Center both in Andrews and in Marble. In 28 years, she shared her love with hundreds of children and helped set them on the right path as they began school.
    Although one sentence or sentiment cannot possibly describe Brenda Conley, the primary memory most will have of her was her love of children and kindness to everyone.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, with the Rev. Jim Postell and Howell Jacobs officiating. The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons, Alex Hardin and Chase Hardin; brothers Howell Jacobs, Jim Jacobs, Tim Jacobs; son-in-law, Mack Tallant; and nephews, Justin Jacobs, Marty Jacobs, Arron Jacobs, Cameron Jacobs, Dusty Bryson, Corbin Bryson and Cody Roberts. Grandson Jackson Tallant will serve as honorary pallbearer.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, prior to the services.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhome.com.