Brenda Gail Buxton

Brenda Harralson Buxton, 73, of Anacoco, LA, passed from this life on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Brenda grew up in Texas and Louisiana as a pastor’s daughter, moving often while her father ministered at different churches. Her family eventually settled in Evans, LA, where she graduated from Evans High School in 1969. Brenda continued her education at Westminster College in Tehuacana, TX, Many Technical School in Many, LA, and Lamar Salter Vo-Tech in Leesville, LA.

Brenda met her future husband, Jackie Buxton, at a revival in Merryville, LA, during her junior year of high school. Their love story began with letters exchanged during his Vietnam service and grew through more than 50 years of marriage, during which they welcomed a daughter, and a son, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom lovingly called her 'Nanny.' She loved and cherished her family so deeply.

After graduation and getting married, she made a career working with her family's businesses. For many years she worked in the family’s Catfish House located on the Louisiana Texas state line. In the early 70's she joined her father's sawmill business, Harralson Tie & Lumber, where she was an integral part of office management and administration until the mill was sold in 2013.

She leaves a legacy of service to her community in Vernon Parish through church, music, and her work at Evans Elementary School. Her joyful nature helped her connect with kids, creating a safe and fun learning environment in countless VBS programs, Sunday school, and as a substitute teacher. Her ministry extended to church music, where she shared her gifts by playing the piano and organ, singing, and leading worship. She also loved baking and decorating the most beautiful cakes for birthdays and weddings.

Her kindness, generosity, and warm humor touched the hearts of everyone she met. A woman of devout faith in God, she always led with her heart and as the Spirit guided her. As stories pour in about her, we keep hearing, “She was so loving! She’d give you the shirt off her back.” It didn’t matter if you were family, friend, or someone she just met, if she was able to help you out she would. Whether it was with a silly joke, an encouraging hug, a bowl of gumbo or something else she made sure you felt loved and cared for.

In honor of Brenda’s life and the legacy of serving others, we are asking for you to consider a donation, in lieu of flowers, to help ease the burden of funeral expenses and extensive medical costs on her immediate family. Contributions can be made at:

http://spot.fund/dff7tdbsc

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Alex Buxton and Sarah of DeRidder, LA; daughter, Tanya Howard and Aaron of Fayetteville, AR; brother, Thomas Harralson and Sherry of Anacoco, LA; sister, Joyce McDonald and Willie of Leesville, LA; grandchildren, Whitney Dease and Donald, Jackie Park, Austin Park, Wes Buxton, Thomas Lester, Maddie Lester, Finn Dease; great grandchildren, Ryli Guzman, Kyle Park, Gunner Dease, Analynn Dease, Jonathan Park, Killian Park, Devin Park and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jackie Wayne Buxton; great granddaughter, Aleyah Park; parents, Silas and Varnie Mae Harralson and her grandparents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Joey Miller will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Joey Miller, Randy Miller, Terry McDonald, Jeff Stevens, Nathan Jeane, and Billy Benjamin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jackie Park and Thomas Lester. Burial will follow at Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville, LA.

Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.