A Gathering and Celebration of Life service was held for Brenda JoAnn Chriss Peden, 81, of Mesquite, Texas starting at 10 a.m. with a sharing of memories at 11 a.m. Appetizers and Refreshments were served during the service. The family welcomed and encouraged stories of Brenda during the service.

Brenda went home to the Lord on August 25, 2023, in Mesquite. She was born on Dec. 12, 1941, in Tupelo, Oklahoma, to R. W. Chriss and Virgie Holiday Chriss.

Brenda grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Dallas for work. Brenda was in need of passing a college history class and needed a history tutor and in walked Harry Don Peden, and history was made!

Brenda and Harry married and made history together. The couple built a beautiful life together in Mesquite. Brenda was an amazing, intelligent, spirited, and loveable lady. She never met a stranger and always had a smile to greet those she met. Brenda enjoyed life. Her ‘Can Do’ attitude served her well and her influence of this attitude can be seen in her family and friends. Brenda loved her family and friends and found joy in the simple things in life, like gatherings with family and friends to visit and eating her delicious southern cuisine. She will be dearly missed but lives on in the smiles that are on the faces of her loved ones when they think of her.

Brenda is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Don Peden; parents, R. W. and Virgie Chriss; and in-laws, Hubert and Velma Peden.

Those here to cherish her memories include her daughter and son in law, Alisa and Robert Marshall; grandsons, Winston Marshall and Davis Marshall; niece, Elaine Cuddy Alvarado; great nephews and niece, Eric Alvarado; Aaron Alvarado; Jessica Alvarado; nephew, David Cuddy; and great grandnephew Preston Alvarado. Sister, Joyce Layman; niece, Karen and Randy Leath; nephew Mark and Janice Layman; niece, Chrissy Layman Vanasee and David Vanasee; and great nieces and nephews: Renee Leath; Aimee Leath Allen and husband, Matthew Allen; Allison Layman; Jack Layman; Emma Layman; and great grandniece Preston Vanasee, and many more dear family and friends.

Interment was at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton.