Brenda Cooke Montjoy

Brenda Jean Cooke Montjoy, 79, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 13, 2026. She was born on November 16, 1946, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Virginia Crocker Cooke and Billy Houston Cooke.

Brenda was the beloved wife of 62 years to William Lamar Montjoy, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Pamela J. Day (Russell), and her son, Phillip Keith Montjoy. She was a proud and loving grandmother to seven grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her brothers, Gary Cooke (Libby) and Tracy Cooke (Carole), and her sister, Nancy A. Cooke, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Brenda’s work life was marked by dedication, compassion, and the many lasting friendships she formed along the way. She worked for many years as a Production Scheduler at Wise Foods, where she made numerous lifelong friends and enjoyed playing on and traveling with the company golf team. Later, she continued her career with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, and then in the business office at the Spartanburg Alternative School.

At the Alternative School, Brenda found special purpose in working with at-risk youth. She had a unique gift for making others feel seen and valued, always striving to show students their worth and the impact they had on the world around them. Years later, former students would eagerly come up to her, sharing that she had been their favorite and telling her how her encouragement and influence had helped change the course of their lives.

Unfortunately, the progression of multiple sclerosis took its toll, and Brenda was forced to retire in the 1990s. Even in retirement, her love for people, her faith, and her joyful spirit never faded.

Brenda found her greatest happiness in spending time with family and friends. Music was one of the great joys of her life—she directed the choir at Whitney Free Will Baptist Church and sang wherever she was given the opportunity. She was a member of a female barbershop-style choir, The Sweet Adelines, and shared her gift of song generously with others. A gifted artist, Brenda could draw or paint anything she set her mind to, and she was an exceptional cook who took great pride in cooking and canning for those she loved.

Known as a true Southern lady, Brenda was fun-loving and adventurous, with a determination often lovingly attributed to her beautiful red hair. Though she endured many years of physical suffering from multiple sclerosis, CRPS, and other illnesses, she never gave up. Her faith remained strong, her spirit resilient, and her love for others unwavering.

Above all else, Brenda loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived her life as a reflection of that faith.

Services will be held at Whitney Free Will Baptist Church, located at 847 Iron Ore Road, Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Tuesday, January 20. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., with the service following at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Whitney Free Will Baptist Church, 847 Iron Ore Road, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303.

Brenda’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will live on in all who knew her.