Wilson Little Funeral Home
Purcell-Newcastle, McClain Co., OK
(permission granted)

Brenda Tompkins, age 81, of Purcell passed away on September 8, 2023.

Brenda Sue Love was born on April 6, 1942 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, the 2nd of 3 children born to David Love and Lockie (Isaacs) Love.

Brenda spent her younger years in Pauls Valley and attended school there, graduating with the Panther Class of 1959.

It was around that same time, that she was set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. She was introduced to a young man named, Jimmie Dale Tompkins, and they hit it off instantly. Brenda and Jimmie were married the next year in 1960, and they have been inseparable ever since.

Early on, they found a passion in training and working with race horses. This led them to travel all across the United States, moving from place to place, doing what they loved together. They lived in various places including, Maysville and Moore, and later they eventually settled down in the Washington area. They made it their home, and together, they raised their only son, Larry. He was their pride and joy, their greatest blessing.

Brenda was a determined and driven woman. She accomplished anything she set her mind to, and that is a quality that carried her far in life. She began working as a secretary at the prison, and shortly worked her way up into becoming a marketing manager for OSI. Brenda spent nearly 20 years with OSI, before eventually retiring.

Brenda was strong-willed and she had a big personality, something that everyone loved about her! She was very artistic and loved to collect antiques and other rare items. In her free time, she also enjoyed tending to her garden, taking care of her many plants and flowers. She was passionate about cooking, and always made sure there was more than enough for everyone. She was famously known for her chicken fried steak, and it was made with love every time.

More than anything, Brenda was a family woman. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, and she attended nearly every single sporting event they had. She was always their biggest supporter and their number one fan. Brenda was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and a true friend. She will be dearly missed!

She was preceded in death by: her father, David Love, mother and step father, Lockie and Elmer White; son, Larry Tompkins; and sister, JoAnne Weatherford.

Brenda is survived by: her loving husband, Jimmie Tompkins of the home; brother, Kim Paul White of McLoud; 2 grandchildren, Jeff Tompkins (Hilary) of Asher and Jill Lee (Cody) of Moore; 4 great-grandchildren, Jace, Tyson, Hailey, and Jaxson and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Little’s Chapel. Burial will follow at Washington Cemetery. www.wilsonlittle.com