Brenda Joyce Rusgrove

Brenda Joyce (Gordon) Rusgrove of Eastville, GA passed away on April 7, 2026 at the age of 75. She was the daughter of the late Guy Carlton and Edna Gordon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Jimmy, Doug, and Wayne Gordon; her miscarried granddaughter Rebecca Lynn; and her dear lifelong friend and cousin Margaret (Turnbull) Hunter.

Survivors include her son Adam (Gina) Rusgrove of Savannah, GA; daughter Jessica (Dave) Ham of Athens, GA; grandchildren Abby and Jacob (Ta’Nya) Ham and Ashlyn Rusgrove; brothers Guy (Teresa) Gordon of Watkinsville, GA and Randy Gordon of Ellenwood, GA. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She was well-known in the family to care for and love everyone and was always a safe landing place for any of them.

Brenda was born in Athens, GA on December 22, 1950. As a young woman she was very involved at Ray’s United Methodist Church and with the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) there. She took piano lessons for her beloved Aunt Lois Turnbull and greatly enjoyed her piano recitals. Brenda had five younger brothers, so she was the little mama to all of them growing up, especially Wayne who lived with her from the time he was eleven. She attended the University of Georgia for a time where she was in the bowling league. Later in life, Brenda attended Athens Tech where she received her paralegal degree.

In June of 1970 Brenda married Armand Crosby Rusgrove who was in the United States Army. They lived in Manassas, VA where Adam was born and then returned to Eastville, GA where Jessica was born. They raised their children in Eastville, GA and were faithful members and volunteers at Living Faith Fellowship/Church of the Nations. They traveled all over the southeast with the youth group as they went on choir tours and trips. Many of those from the youth group remember her fondly as a second mother figure in their lives. Throughout her life she was a woman of sacrificial love and care. She always looked for the best in people and circumstances and was an encouragement to all she met. Her life is a reminder to us all that there is always time to be kind and gracious.

Brenda spent many years working for Head Start in Athens, Child Plus Software in Atlanta, and Easter Seals of NEGA. While at Head Start she was the only volunteer to learn the new computer program for Head Start and became the go to person for all things computer related whether hardware or software. She was eventually recruited by the software company Child Plus to travel the country and train hundreds of people from Georgia to Alaska. She made many friends over her years of working and traveling. She even continued to work for almost a year after she moved into the skilled nursing unit at Presbyterian Village.

The last few years Brenda has lived at Presbyterian Village. The family would like to thank PVA for their care and love for Brenda during her time there, especially Kimberly, Debbie, Patricia, Ginger and so many others. Since December, Brenda was under the care of Inspire Hospice who so graciously walked her and her children through these last moments: Annie, Ansley, and the other nurses were always so kind and helpful. Special thanks and love goes to Rhonda Sims who has been her caregiver for the last three and a half years. She took care of Brenda when her children couldn’t and they loved each other very much.

For the last ten years, she was a faithful member of Grace Fellowship Church and is very thankful for the Care Team there, specifically Andy & Carolyn Tanner, who have visited and loved on her while she was at Presbyterian Village.

Brenda loved the LORD first, her family second, and everyone she came in contact with. She prayed often for her family members to know and accept Christ as their Savior.

Funeral will be held at Vintage Oaks Farms (6305 Hog Mountain Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677) on Saturday, April 18th at 10 am. Pot luck lunch to follow, please bring a dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grace Fellowship Benevolence Fund in her memory (1120 Malcom Bridge Rd. Bogart, GA, 30622).

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com