Brenda Hankins Carswell

Brenda Hankins Carswell of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 2, 2023, following complications from breast cancer. She was 66. She will be remembered as a devoted mom and “Grammy” who took great delight in creating fun and special experiences for her family and friends that resulted in enjoyment, personal growth, strong family bonds, and lasting memories.

Although Brenda was born in and grew up mainly in Jacksonville, Florida, she and her family also lived for a few years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware. She graduated from Edward H. White High School in Jacksonville where she was active in Young Life, and where she met her future husband, Tom.

Brenda attended Florida State University where she studied Child Development and Home Economics. Brenda and Tom connected again after college and were married in 1980. They lived in Jacksonville until 1983, when Tom became employed by the State of Georgia, Office of Commissioner of Insurance, where he is still employed. In Atlanta, Brenda worked first for Nestle Company, then found her niche creating experiences as a Travel Agent for American Express Travel Services. Brenda loved travel, and her job at American Express allowed her to travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Central America as well as the Caribbean. Brenda retired from American Express in 2013.

Brenda was a woman of faith. Growing up she was a member at First Christian Church in Jacksonville, and more recently at Tucker First United Methodist Church in Tucker. She enjoyed reconnecting with her childhood congregation when visiting with her mother in Jacksonville, and she frequently worshiped with her adult children at their respective churches.

Brenda was actively involved in Girl Scout leadership (Troop 6820) for many years, participating with her daughter, Katie, as she progressed through the Girl Scout ranks. Thoughtful and creative, Brenda enjoyed crafting in many forms including cross-stitch and needlepoint. Later in life she made friends through scrapbooking, stamping, and card-making. Another experience Brenda loved to share was that of having high tea. She visited tea rooms locally and as she traveled, and hosted many tea parties for special occasions.

Perhaps Brenda’s favorite role and pastime was being Grammy. It was her greatest joy to spoil and spend time with her grandchildren.

Brenda is preceded in death by her father, Paul C. Hankins. She is survived by her husband, Thomas F. Carswell; children Bryan T. Carswell (April) of Clearwater, FL; and Katie Carswell Carter (Matt) of Atlanta; as well as grandchildren Eleanor Jo Carter, Benjamin Olin Carter, and Andrew Franklin Carswell.

She is also survived by her mother, Betty Jo Hankins; sister, Michele Hankins Baum; nephew, Erik Baum; and niece, Brittany Baum, all from Jacksonville.

A memorial service will be held on March 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at Tucker First United Methodist Church.