Brenda Pruitt

Brenda Joyce Wood Pruitt, age 80, from Judsonia peacefully went to live with Jesus on Nov. 15, 2022. She was a beautiful person who spread joy and happiness wherever she went. Brenda was born Jan. 2, 1942, to Virgil and Norma Wood in Batesville, Ark. She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Buddy Pruitt; two sons, Mark (Kathleen) Pruitt of Beebe and Tim (Claire) Pruitt of Olive Branch, Miss.; six grandchildren, Drew Pruitt, Miriam Pruitt, Allison Pruitt, Hunter Pruitt, Emma Pruitt, and Cody Wood; five great-grandchildren; brother, Mitchell (Marie) Wood of El Dorado, Kan.; and several nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Lee Michele; sister, Betty Smith; and nephew, Eric Pruitt. Brenda was a longtime, faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Searcy and a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday school class. Brenda attended Searcy Public Schools for 11 years and was a majorette in the marching band. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Buddy Pruitt in 1958, she graduated from Beebe High School in 1959. Together, they built and operated an Insurance and Real Estate business in Judsonia, Ark., where she served as Vice-President. Brenda was a stay-at-home mother until her children were in high school, at which time she attended Harding University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1994 with a degree in political science. After graduation, Brenda entered public service, serving as the late County Judge Waylon Heathscott's administrative assistant for several years until she went to work for the Association of Arkansas Counties. She retired in 2006 as their Executive Director. Brenda was an avid traveler, and she loved spending time on the lake, reading, cooking, and entertaining her family and friends. The family extends their gratitude to Arkansas Hospice in Searcy for their excellent care. The family is especially grateful for Heather Cloyes, RN, and Sheila Piety, Brenda's personal care assistant. A Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Searcy, Ark., on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Searcy. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.