Brenda Ballard - age 73, of Kodak, gained her Heavenly Wings on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 3:40 pm after a sudden illness. She was, by every definition, a “Carter Girl”. Mrs. Ballard served as a beloved staff member of Carter Elementary for 45 years. She served as a teacher in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades from 1979 to 2017. She spent six more years subbing K-5. She was a graduate of Carter High and the University of Tennessee. She was also an original ticket taker for the Tennessee Smokies for the 25 years it was in Kodak. She was also a seasonal employee of Fireworks Supermarket in Kodak. She was still a member of New Salem Baptist of Kodak. She loved her Bible devotions and Prayer Book. She was a fan of the Tennessee Vols and Tennessee Smokies. In addition to her parents George and Edna Wyatt, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Ballard. She is survived by her step son, James (Courtney) Ballard and grandchildren, Kingsley, Keegan, and Kameron from Canada. Brenda is also survived by sister, Elizabeth Ann O’Barr and husband, Lawrence of Knoxville; grandchildren, Bennie and Shane; brother, Mike Wyatt and wife Gayla from Kodak; and step son, Dustin Rader of Newport. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Bridges Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 7:00 pm with Rev. Darrell Brooks and Rev. Dennis King officiating. Dale and Angela Ballard will offer the singing of some old-fashioned hymns in the service. On Wednesday family and friends will meet at Bridges Funeral Home at 10:00 am and go in procession to Pollard Cemetery for the interment. Pallbearers: Kevin Pollard, Darrell Hubbard, Mark Meredith, Dustin Corum, Rick Jacobs and Brett Adams. Honorary Pallbearers: Terry Marlow, John Dills and Gabe Hubbard. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for people to donate to a fund dedicated to needy students of Carter Elementary. The link is at https://cartes.givebacks.com/store/items/1048024.