Brenda Louise Payton Parrott, age 73, of Callao, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Raised in Stanardsville, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late James Welford Payton and Patricia Lorraine Shifflett Payton.

Brenda dedicated much of her life to service, retiring after a rewarding career as a cafeteria manager for both the Northumberland County Public School District and UVA. After her retirement, Brenda’s love for children led her to drive the special education van for Northumberland County Public Schools, where she touched many lives.

A true lover of the beach, Brenda cherished her annual vacations to Myrtle Beach, but it was when she moved to the Northern Neck and made her home by the river that she found true peace, surrounded by the water she adored. She was an avid reader with a deep love of history, always eager to learn something new.

Food was a central part of Brenda’s life—both in her career and as her love language. She was a gifted cook who not only prepared delicious meals but also grew much of the food herself in her garden. Holidays, particularly Christmas, were a time for her to shine, bringing family and friends together with her meals. Brenda also had a special connection with nature, especially with the hummingbirds she lovingly nurtured each year. In return, some of them grew so comfortable with her that they would fly right up to her when she stepped outside.

Brenda was a devoted mother, a treasured friend, and a woman of incredible strength and kindness. Her life was a testament to her caring spirit, and we were all blessed to have known her.

Brenda leaves behind her life partner, Gail Bondurant; her beloved daughters, Lorri Beassie (Tammi) and Cynthia Parrott (Kevin); her cherished granddaughter, Emma; her brothers, Dale Payton (Melissa) and Jeff Payton (Kim); and her lifelong best friends, Jo Aylor and Judy Estes, with whom she shared decades of laughter, love, and friendship.

A Celebration of Brenda’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Brenda’s memory to the SPCA, an organization she supported with all her heart.