Brenda Gardner Adams

Brenda Gardner Adams, of Spartanburg, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026. Known for her incredible spirit, devotion to her family and trademark sense of humor, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Born in Spartanburg to Lloyd and Evelyn Gardner, Brenda graduated from Spartanburg High School and attended Winthrop University. She married her high school sweetheart Gene in 1963, and eventually gave birth to four children, Joe, Heather, Julie, and Jessica. Brenda had fond memories of the couple’s early years in the Philippines, where Gene was stationed as a Jag officer at Clark Air Base. Brenda also served as a volunteer at the base hospital and, later on, at Spartanburg Regional.

Upon returning to SC, Brenda focused on motherhood, but still found time to serve her community. In addition to serving on the board of the Spartanburg Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, she was president of the Spartanburg Legal Auxiliary. She was also active in several local social clubs, including the Fannie Louise Holcombe Garden Club and the Holcombe Reading Club. Among her other interests were traveling, interior design, and taking care of all animals, wild and domestic.

Brenda adored her children, protecting them with a tenacity usually reserved for grizzly bears. She never missed any of their games, plays, or recitals, always praising their passion and performance. After the kids were long-grown, Brenda continued to be their rock, never failing to put them first, no matter the circumstance. Not surprisingly, she extended the same love, generosity, and compassion to her grandchildren.

Maybe Brenda’s favorite place was Lake Lanier in North Carolina, where her parents bought a house when she was a teen. She and her sister Mellnee enjoyed skiing, cooking out, and tubing behind their dad’s Chris Craft. Years later, Gene built their own house on the lake, and Brenda continued to enjoy the same activities with her children and grandchildren.

Brenda is survived by her beloved sister, Mellnee Gardner Buchheit; devoted husband, Joel Eugene Adams; her children, Joel Eugene Adams Jr., Julie Brandice Adams, and Jessica Adams Spigner; and sisters-in-law Mary Adams Hammock, Libby Adams Dym, and Virginia Green Adams. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her daughter, Heather Gardner Adams.

A funeral service will be held Friday, January 9, 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church at 393 East Main Street in Spartanburg. The service will be officiated by the Reverend Alan Dyer. The visitation will follow immediately at the church. Burial will be private.

In memory of Brenda, contributions may be made to Faith Home Christian Recovery, 144 Faith Home Road, Greenwood, SC 29649.