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Brenda Joyce (Holman) Buckley, 76, of Whitney, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Brenda was born on April 4, 1948, in Pryor, Oklahoma, to Johnnie “Boose” and Clara Rosetta (Sanford) Holman.
A graduate of Locust Grove High School Class of 1966, Brenda pursued her lifelong passion for teaching by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Her illustrious teaching career spanned over 44 years, beginning in Nuyaka and Jay, Oklahoma, and later taking her to Nevada, where she taught on the Shoshone Paiute Reservation. Brenda also taught in Shawnee, Twin Hills, and Locust Grove, Oklahoma, finishing her Oklahoma retirement in 1999 in her hometown. She continued her career in DeSoto, Texas, at Ruby Young Elementary and Meadows Middle School. She retired in 2013, having touched countless lives through her dedication and passion for education.
Born to teach, Brenda was known proudly and affectionately as “Ms. Buckley” by her students. She taught more than academic subjects—she instilled lessons in love, perseverance, and dreaming big. Her infectious laugh and unique “Buckleyisms” left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Being ornery herself, Ms. Buckley had a particular affinity for those types of students, finding joy by fostering a love in them for reading and writing. While she taught students of various ages and subjects throughout her career, she found the greatest joy in working with grade school and middle school students.
Brenda married Marvin Eugene Buckley on August 2, 1969, at Butler Baptist Church in Jay, Oklahoma. Together, they raised two children, Marcus and Erica, with love and devotion. Although they divorced in 1995, Brenda cared for Marvin in his later years until his passing in 2008. Her unwavering faith was central to her life, reflected in her membership at Locust Grove Free Will Baptist Church and, later, Hampton Road Baptist Church in DeSoto, Texas. Brenda will be remembered for her faithfulness, fun-loving spirit, and radiant smile. Her warmth touched the hearts of family, friends, colleagues, and students, leaving a legacy of love, life, and laughter that will endure.
Brenda is survived by: 1 son: Marcus Buckley of Whitney, Texas; 1 daughter: Erica Buckley and her husband James Caldwell of Fort Worth, Texas; 7 grandchildren: Kent Joseph Vaughan and partner Narda Gonzalez, Colton James Vaughan, Tanner Buckley-Chance and wife Samantha, Sydney Alison Buckley-Crane and husband Walker, Zane Allen Buckley, Endre Daniel Buckley, and James E. “Tre” Caldwell III; 1 great granddaughter: Charlotte Chance and one more on the way to be named Alice Marie Chance; 2 brothers: Johnnie LeRoy “Ike” Holman and Randy Bruce Holman and wife Charlene. As well, she is survived by numerous other relatives and a host of friends, former co-workers, church family, and former students.
Brenda was preceded in death by: her parents; her ex-husband; 3 brothers: Wayne Holman, Jack Holman, and Sam Holman; and 1 sister: Geraldine Wynn.
A memorial service in Texas will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at North Hampton Baptist Church in DeSoto, Texas, officiated by Pastor Kelly Wolverton. A memorial service in Oklahoma will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Locust Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, officiated by Brother Harold Bible. Arrangements are entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.
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