Brenda Kay McLaren

Brenda Kay McLaren, 68, of Springville, AL passed away on August 21, 2020 at St Vincent’s East Hospital after a long battle with the Covid-19 virus. Visitation and graveside services will be held at Provencal Cemetery in Provencal, Louisiana on Saturday, August 29, 2020. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm with services immediately following. A Memorial Service will be held September 2, 2020 at 6:00pm at Springville First United Methodist Church in Springville, AL. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:00pm. Brenda was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, daughter of the late Leon and Eula Lea Bates. She had 4 sisters: Sharon Bates, Donna Deason, Sharon Yvonne Ogle, Shirley McCloud and 2 brothers: Mike Bates and Eddie Bates. Brenda was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and “Nonnie”. She was an awesome friend and loved by all. She loved to travel; the only two states she had left on her list were Oregon and California. Brenda loved to go to the beach with her family and friends. Annually, she would take her grandchildren to various theme parks and zoos for spring break. At the end of each school year she took the grandchildren to Provencal to be with her Louisiana family. Family meant everything to her. She was a Christian who walked with God all of her life. She was saved at 12 years of age and was a member of the Methodist church. She believed in the Bible, prayer, and witnessing. She taught Sunday School for over 50 years. Brenda was a prayer warrior who loved to share her faith in actions, words, and deeds. Brenda was a Postmaster for 33 years at various locations in Louisiana and Alabama. She loved people and was always encouraging her employees to apply for various OIC positions to enhance their careers. She made many friends over those 33 years and she cherished each and every one. Brenda is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ernest McLaren; three sons: David and his wife, Dawn McLaren of Pelham, AL, Daniel and his wife Charis McLaren of Springville, AL, Brett and his wife Amanda McLaren of Ashville, AL ; Grandchildren: Sydney (Lucas) Butler, Jarrett McLaren, Dakota McLaren, Brooklyn McLaren and Lane McLaren; Great Grandchildren: AnnaRose and Kade Butler; and numerous family and friends. Pallbearers will be Jarrett McLaren, Dakota McLaren, Lucas Butler, Dustin Howell, Sam Deason and Hunter Dowden. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Deason, Mike Bates, Grant Dowden, Buddy Howell and Scott Deason In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to the following: Louisiana Provencal Cemetery Fund - PO Box 354 Provencal, LA 71468 Provencal First United Methodist Church - PO Box 363 Provencal, LA 71468 Freedom Life Church - 1530 Keyser Ave Natchitoches, LA 71457 Alabama SFUMC Kids on Main - 6571 U.S. Hwy 11 Springville, AL 35146