Brenda Jean Hardin Rucker Calloway, an angel on earth, transitioned to heaven to become a heavenly angel, October 20, 2022, at the age of 71. She was born April 3, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Isaac Hardin Jr. and Beulah Bassett Hardin. She was a loving, devoted, caring, and joyful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She had a warm gentle spirit and was always kind and welcoming to everyone she met.

Brenda was highly accomplished in living an honorable life. She was a living example of a “Godly woman”; a friend described her as “An angel who walked among us on earth. She was always encouraging, nurturing, and supportive of others”. Brenda continually told friends to “pray for everyone don’t leave one out”, and shared that she asked the Lord, “When I stray, bring me back”. Brenda accepted Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church in Knoxville for over sixty years where she served as an Elder, Deacon, Church Treasurer, and was on various committees.

Brenda graduated from the first graduating class of Austin-East High School in 1969 where she was highly active during her school tenure. She attended and graduated from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, and after graduating from college, in 1973, she enjoyed working and serving others in the workplace. She was a dedicated employee and worked for Knox County Schools at Fair Garden Elementary/Preschool, Anderson Elementary, Springhill Elementary and Dogwood Elementary for several years before she retired. Brenda held other positions in the work force at Minority Business Bureau, CareerCom College, Avon Representative, Delta Airlines, and the United States Census Bureau. She was very active in community organizations. Brenda was a charter member of the Knoxville East Lions Club, volunteered with One Knox Legacy Coalition, and was a member of the AARP Local Chapter 85.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Beulah Hardin, sister, Gwendolyn Rose Hardin Patterson, and first husband, Reginald Rucker. She
is survived by her loving and caring husband of 31 years, James Calloway,to whom she was unfailingly devoted, sons Aahmed Jaamal Rucker, Michael (Chandra) Rucker, James Jr. and David Calloway, daughter, Kristie Sanders, devoted grandchildren Brooklyn Rucker and Memphis Wilson, sister, Patricia Brown, sisters-in law, Loretta Rucker, Yvonne Agee, Sandra (Daniel) Gourdet, Karen Williams, Eula Smith, and Lynn (Jerry) Anderson, aunt, Jossielean Bassett, devoted uncle, Harold (Gloria) Bassett, special devoted great nephew Dawnte Kyle. Brenda had many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who she loved dearly, and they loved her in return. Special devoted friends since childhood, Jervece Steele, Paula Yette, and Dr. Maxine Davis.