Brenda Gambrel

Brenda Star Hedrick Gambrel, 73, of Ochlocknee, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Born on April 7, 1953, in Youngstown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Gary Lynn Hedrick and Margaret Reed Hedrick. Brenda was a homemaker who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time outdoors, enjoying nature, growing plants, bird watching, and sharing special moments with family and friends. She loved sitting on the porch enjoying sweet tea or cold Pepsi, smoking a cigarette, and watching and listening to the sounds of the outdoors and her windchimes. She asked to be on the porch almost every day until her very last. It’s where she found peace and enjoyed her quiet moments. She was always sure to have her sweet fur baby “Faye” right beside her. But most of all, Brenda loved being around her children and grandchildren, they were the highlight of her days. She will always be remembered for her love for her family and all the lives she touched throughout the years.

She is survived by; her children, Lisa Davis (Jeremy), CJ Gambrel, and Joseph Gambrel, all of Ochlocknee; grandchildren, Maria Star Pittman (Daniel) of Ochlocknee, Zachary Davis of Ochlocknee, Michael Gambrel (Emma) of Thomasville, Christopher Gambrel of Thomasville, and Kinsley Gambrel Fillyaw of Ochlocknee; great-granddaughter, Magnolia Faye Pittman, and another great-grandbaby on the way. She is also survived by her siblings, Wanda Peeples, Wilma Hamill, Gary “Shorty” Hedrick, Ricky Hedrick, Diana Duerson, and Jason Hedrick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Gambrel, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at Whiddon Shiver Funeral Home on Thursday – June 11, 2026 at 2:30 pm with Pastor Steve Brooks officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Cairo. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:30pm – 2:30 pm in the funeral home chapel.

In honor of Brenda you are welcome to join the family in wearing light pink or white.