Brenda Cearley Thurman

In Loving Memory of Brenda Lucille Cearley Thurman May 10, 1950 – July 6, 2025 It is with deep sadness and great love that we announce the passing of Brenda Lucille Cearley Thurman, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, beloved sister and friend. Brenda passed away peacefully, while being held by her two sons, on July 6, 2025. 

Brenda was a woman of warmth, generosity, and unwavering love. She met Larry, the love of her life, at the Hiawassee Fair, and the two married in 1967 while Larry was on military leave. Brenda and Larry had two sons, Brian and Kevin, and Brenda poured her heart into raising, nurturing, guiding, and supporting her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother wasn’t just a role to her—it was her greatest joy. 

A true bargain hunter at heart, Brenda had a sharp eye for a good deal and could turn any thrift store trip into a treasure hunt. She loved to spend hours thrifting with her sisters, Jonny Sue and Lisa. Whether it was discovering the perfect gift or simply enjoying the thrill of the search, she made every outing an adventure and shared her finds with those she loved. She enjoyed thrifting so much that she could often be seen volunteering and helping others at the North Georgia Mountain Crisis Thrift Store. 

For many years, Brenda proudly owned and operated The Trailer Drive-In restaurant. The Trailer became an icon in the community and is still known for having the best biscuits in town. Brenda loved building meaningful relationships with her customers and made everyone feel welcome with a kind word or a listening ear. She also enjoyed reporting some of the gossip back to her sisters. Her passion for her business was matched only by her love for connecting with others, and she took great joy in seeing her customers leave with a smile. 

Brenda was a strong competitor. She and Larry had a house boat on Blue Ridge Lake, and Brenda challenged herself to learn how to ski. She quickly became an avid slalom skier and loved showing off her skills. She was also recognized as a World Champion Digital Scrabble Player and enjoyed sharing her strategies with others, as long as they were not competing against her. 

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the memories she gave us—the laughter, the wisdom, the hugs, and the everyday moments made special by her presence. She taught us the value of kindness and the joy of helping others, and she will forever be in our hearts. 

Brenda leaves behind her husband Larry; beloved children: Brian (Tara) Thurman, Kevin (Rebecca) Thurman; her treasured grandchildren: John (Stephaine) Thurman, Katie Thurman, Francie Thurman, Mackenzie Moreland, Sawyer Moreland, and Cooper Moreland; her great grandchildren: Caiden Thurman and Parker Thurman; her sisters: Jonnie Sue King and Lisa (Darwin) O’Neal, as well as nephews, cousins and countless friends who were blessed to know her. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 20th at Cochran-McDaniel from 2pm-5pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Macedonia Church of Christ Cemetery fund.