Brenda Fontenot Gibson, 72, was born on July 3, 1953, in Mamou, Louisiana, and passed away on June 22, 2026, at her residence in Starks, Louisiana.

Brenda's joyful spirit began early in life. As a young girl, some of her fondest memories were Saturday nights when her mother would bring her and Linda to the DERA in Orange for teen night dances. Those nights became a big part of their lives, even leading Linda to meet her husband, Earl. Brenda's mischievous side showed even then, whether she was sneaking to unwrap Christmas presents and convincing her sisters, Carolyn and Linda, to join in, or chasing Carolyn with lizards just to tease her. Her youth was filled with family, laughter, dancing, hard work, tending the garden alongside her mother, father, and sisters, and the kind of playful trouble that made the best stories.

After graduating from Orangefield High School in Texas, Brenda met her husband, C.J. Gibson. Together, they built a life and had two daughters, Shelly and Natasha. After raising her daughters, Brenda went on to serve as a devoted CNA for many years at Green Hill Nursing Home in DeQuincy, Louisiana. She also spent time sitting with elderly patients, caring for them with patience, kindness, and love. Brenda loved her coworkers and the many patients she cared for over the years, even the ornery ones who kept her on her toes. With time, she felt the calling to come back home to help raise her grandchildren, a role she embraced with the same love, devotion, and strength she gave throughout her life.

Brenda was a woman who lived life to the fullest and brought joy wherever she went. Her favorite movie was the classic The Color Purple, and she never missed an opportunity to enjoy the simple things she loved most. Whether she was riding four-wheelers, cooking for family and friends, or camping at the beautiful Sabine River, Brenda was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved.

She was especially known for her delicious chicken and dumplings, a meal that brought comfort, full bellies, and smiles to many. The sounds of Conway Twitty playing on her cassette tapes were a familiar soundtrack to her days. You could almost always find a Dr Pepper in her hand, and she rarely went anywhere without her pack of cigarettes close by.

Brenda had a playful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor, always ready to play a joke or bring a little laughter into the room. There was always a little mischief at heart with her, especially when it came to the children in the family. She loved to tease and scare them in good fun, even pretending to be a vampire just to get a reaction and make everyone laugh. It was those little moments - full of laughter, surprise, and love - that made her so unforgettable.

Her warmth, laughter, humor, and unforgettable personality will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Natasha Gibson Smith and Shelly Gibson and partner Derek Stewart; grandchildren, Kailee Smith, Destinee Stampley, and Darian Broussard; great-grandchildren, Easton and Stetson; sister, Linda Trahan and husband Earl; numerous nieces and nephews; and brothers-in-law, David and wife Ladonna, Larry Gibson, and Rufus Sonnier.

She is preceded in death by her husband, C.J. Gibson; grandson, Kelton Smith; sister, Carolyn Sonnier; and parents, Hilery and Lydia Fontenot.


Family will receive friends on Tuesday July 7, 2026, from 1 p.m., until the funeral service at 2 p.m., at First Pentecostal Church of Starks, 225 LA-109, Starks, Louisiana. Pastor Carl Smith will be officiating. Rev. Alfred Gibson will be officiating. Interment will follow at Fountain Cemetery, Starks, Louisiana.