Brenda Joyce Waite Connell of Westville, FL passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Open Pond United Pentecostal Church with her sons, Rev. Steve Connell and Rev. Mickey Connell and her son-in-law, Rev. Shannon Harris, officiating. Burial will follow in the Campground Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Brenda was born on July 29, 1944 in Mobile. AL to the late Earl and Hazel Waite Read. She was one of 3 siblings. She married Walter Ray Connell on June 28, 1963 in Mobile, AL. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a devoted pastor’s wife who faithfully served beside her husband for more than 50 years. Brenda was an avid gardener who loved her beautiful flowers. Most importantly, Sister Brenda was a powerful prayer warrior who stood firm in faith throughout every season of life.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband of 63 years, Walter Ray Connell; her stepfather, Charles Read and two brothers, Floyd Waite and Lynn Waite.
Brenda is survived by three children, Steven (Clarissa) Connell of Westville, FL, Mickey (Rachel) Connell of Milton, FL, and Tammy (Shannon) Harris of Tallahassee, FL; adopted daughter, Janice “Sissy” (Stacy) Warmack of Winston, GA; five grandchildren, Andrew (Emily) Connell of Westville, FL, Chad (Madison) Connell of Milton, FL, Hannah (Tyler) Rundle of Callaway, FL; Rylee Connell of Milton, FL and Levi Harris of Tallahassee, FL and five great grandchildren.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers, Kelly and Marie of Kelly’s Caring Hands; her caring neighbors, Neal and Kim Rehburg; and Emerald Coast Hospice.
