Brenda Kay Evans Rush, age 67, and a current resident of Newton, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Newton County Funeral Home North, with memorial services to follow at 3:30 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Ephesus Baptist Cemetery in Scott County at a later date. Pastor Tyler McCraw and Rev. Larry Reed will preside.

Brenda was born June 17, 1958 in West Virigina to her parents, Austin H. "Buddy" Watkins, Jr., and Frankie Lee Walker Watkins, who precede her in death. She was an advocate of cooking, planning for big events, especially, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was an avid supporter of her grandchildren, in their sporting events, with her presence. She loved her Newton County Academy family and enjoyed going to the weekly games to support her grandson, Cameron "Grammie". She had a special bond with grandson Kody, that grew into a wonderful relationship. Sophia was the pageant great-granddaughter and also was supported by her "Grandma" at her softball games, awards days, and beauty reviews. One who enjoyed travelling, Mrs. Brenda, enjoyed mountain scenery and the white sands and crashing of the waves on the beach. Manager of Smash Fitness at Newton, she enjoyed visiting with the members and was an encouragement to those she came in contact with, referred often as the "Gym Mama."

She is preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Angela Renee Vincent, and is survived by two sons, Trinity James Evans of Lawrence and Dustin Wayne (Tiffany Michelle) Evans of Hickory; two grandchildren, Christopher Kody Holcombe and Cameron James Barry Evans; one great-granddaughter, Sophia Grace Rivera; two sisters, Tammy Lynn Watkins of Vicksburg and Glenda Ann Rogers of Decatur and one brother: Alan Randall Watkins of Mobile, AL, and several nieces and nephews; one aunt, Betty Dobbs of Newton and one uncle, Travis (Billie Marie) Watkins of Lawrence, and her canine fur babies, Dolly Ann and Barry Patch.

Flowers will be accepted for the service and may be delivered to the funeral home.

Newton County Funeral Home - North, 9998 Hwy.15 N., Newton, is in charge of arrangements.