It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Brenda L. Carlton of Quincy, IL — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Below, the simplest tribute: the truth of a life as it was lived.
Brenda spent her working life as ['security guard'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
It is the small moments that often matter most.
Brenda L. Carlton, 75, of Quincy, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Brenda was born February 25, 1951, in Quincy, IL to Alvin T. and Delores (Pipkin) Pepper. She was married to Terrence Wayne Carlton on July 3, 1971, in Quincy, IL and from this union, four children were born.
Survivors include her four children, Earl W. Carlton, Melissa I. Whitner (Robert), Holly M. Carlton, and Thomas Carlton; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Alvin Pepper and David Pepper; two sisters, Teresa Marshall and Nancy Martin; and several nieces and nephews.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Kevin Pepper.
Brenda worked hard throughout her life and was known for her dependable nature and caring heart. She worked in housekeeping, first in independent living and later at Hampton Inn. She also spent time as a stay-at-home mother, a role she embraced with love and dedication, and later worked as a security guard. No matter the position she held, Brenda brought responsibility, kindness, and a strong work ethic to everything she did.
She was a member of Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene in Quincy, where her faith was an important part of her life. Brenda enjoyed camping and especially liked spending time at Pike Lake, Siloam Springs, and Wakonda. She found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the moments she could share with family and friends. She loved cooking, especially making soul food, and she was widely admired for her amazing pies. Brenda also had a creative side and enjoyed quilting and crocheting beautiful blankets.
When relaxing at home, Brenda often watched Murder, She Wrote, Magnum, P.I., or WWE. She also enjoyed listening to 60s music and country music. Above all else, Brenda loved her family deeply. She was the caregiver of the family, always making sure everyone was taken care of, and she found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love, strength, and selflessness will be remembered always.
Friends and Family are invited to Brenda's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.
A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene in Quincy. Pastor Mark Madigan will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Quincy, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene.
