Brenda Ray Quinn Bradbury

It is with melancholy reflections and quiet smiles that we remember the vibrant bustling life of Brenda Ray Quinn. Brenda was born on December 15, 1944 in Estill Springs, Franklin County, TN and died on July 13, 2024 in Morrison, Warren County, TN. She left quietly in the night at her home to pursue her next heavenly adventure leaving only a soft smile for those she left behind. 

She was preceded in death by her father, William Frank Quinn; mother, Edna Seals Quinn; sister, Joyce Quinn Myers and ex-husband, Larry Bradbury. 

She is survived by her husband, Leroy Merkle; two sons, Shane and Travis Kimbrough from Nashville; one grandson, Issacs Kimbrough from Kentucky and three siblings, Nita Quinn Owen ("Buck") from Cannon County, William Frank Quinn III, (Kim) from Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Shirley Bratten (John) from Warren County. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Brenda graduated from Central High School in Ft. Wayne, Indiana where she grew up. She moved back to her home in Morrison for the last 35 years. 

Her unrivaled sense of adventure took her on a journey of discovery across America. Traveling by boxcar, holding only the company of other free-spirited passengers, she came into her own love of traveling. Sometimes in a ‘64 Impala with her friends. These stories grew in frequency and distance. They would later become the conversations on road trips with her own two cherished sons. 

Brenda was also an accomplished documentarian with meticulously detailed pictures going back to the 40's highlighting her own childhood and all the memories that she and her four siblings shared growing up. If a picture is worth 1000 words, then 10,000 pictures is 100 books and 500 movies. These are the stories we are all a part of. All worth re-watching, re-telling and re-reading. 

Brenda had a talent for taking unforgiveable harsh land and transforming it into a coveted paradise that no one wanted to leave. She was patient. She was kind. She was forgiving. Her unspoken strength gave inspiration to those who secretly had trouble in their own life, and often sought advice to get through. Brenda had the ability to see a solution in that which was considered impossible. And accomplished that victory in quiet grace. 

Brenda was loved by everyone who met her, well, except the dollar bill. She could stretch a dollar almost to its breaking point. At least that's what the dollar bill's therapist once said. 

As she passed quietly in her sleep, she left a poem for her sons to find. One extra kiss, that extra hug of comfort to say one last time, "I love you boys."

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

By David Romano

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand 

That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. 

The angel said my place was ready in heaven far above, 

And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But when I walked through Heaven's Gates, I felt so much at home.

For God looked down, smiled at me, and told me, "Welcome Home". 

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart. 

For every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart... 

Waiting for you in Heaven I'll always be there.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2024 in High’s Chapel with Brother Wagner to officiate. Inurnment will follow at Morrison Cemetery in Warren County. The family will receive visitors on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.