Brenda Hutchinson Goodale

Brenda Hutchinson Goodale, age 72, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on January 19, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, with friends and family by her side. Born August 30, 1953, at a Naval Hospital in Virginia, Bren was a quintessential military brat, traveling the world and living abroad with her family, and later living across the United States as an adult. Of the many places she lived, Bren considered Houston, Texas, her home.

Bren served her community as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working in the Mother-Baby Unit, the nursery, and most recently in pediatric home health. She retired in 2019 to care for her family. In her free time, she enjoyed live music, especially Texas Country and New Orleans jazz, visiting the French Quarter, and attending the New Orleans Jazz Fest as often as possible. Bren was kind, outgoing, and a friend to many. Above all else, she was a selfless, proud, and devoted mother to her daughter.

Bren is survived by her daughter, Tracy Goodale of Atlanta, Georgia; her father, Glyn Hutchinson of Douglas, Georgia; her sister, Pamela (Greg) Bennett of Opelika, Alabama; her niece, Lacy (Chris) Martin, and great-nephew, Hudson Clements, of Columbus, Georgia; and her nephew, Quinn (Jamie) Bennett of Atlanta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris “Dottie” Hutchinson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia