Brenda Morrison Barrett Zeller (June 18th, 1938 – June 6th, 2024)

We are profoundly saddened to announce the passing of Brenda Morrison Barrett Zeller on June 6, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, AL, after a years-long journey coping with symptoms related to a memory disorder and other health issues.

Brenda was born in Chattanooga, TN on July 18, 1938, as the youngest of three children to her mother, Gertrude and her father, Harvey S. Morrison. In early childhood, she moved to Key West, FL with her mother and stepfather, "Big-Hearted Benny," who owned a funeral home. In her formative years, she excelled in reading, writing and art, talents which guided Brenda throughout her life as an entrepreneur, business owner, published author and accomplished artist.

In her twenties, Brenda married James (Jim) S. Barrett in Miami, Florida and gave birth to two children, Dianne and James. Following the couple's separation, Brenda and children relocated to Boca Raton, Florida in 1971, and it is here Brenda flourished.

She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University and began her Master of Arts in Education coursework. During that time, she also was employed in finance and real estate. She then embraced a career as an Occupational Resource Counselor at Atlantic High School and Carver Middle School in Delray Beach, FL. Throughout, she was also a journalist and editor for The Cotton Report, a newsletter featuring women's empowerment editorial content.

In her late forties, Brenda married the love of her life, Harold W. (Bill) Zeller. From the moment they met, the two were inseparable. They worked together at Mellon Security and Sound, which Bill co-founded. The company ultimately became one of South Florida's pre-eminent security alarm installation and monitoring companies. Brenda was instrumental in the business and became the license holder and first female electrical low-voltage contractor in Florida. She was also a contributor to the Florida Alarm Association's newsletter and participated in Board leadership.

Yet it is away from work that Brenda truly blossomed. Together, Bill and Brenda spent as much time as they could on their boat. Each place they went, they always invited family and friends to join them. Together, Brenda and Bill hosted countless get-togethers and they became known as a generous, fun-loving, always-dancing couple who often outlasted their friends and family on the dance floor. They had an active social life and were members of the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club, the Palm Beach Yacht Club, Ocean Reef, and Palm Cove Yacht Club. Everywhere they went, Bill fiercely loved and loyally protected Brenda, and Brenda was a lively constant in her beloved husband's life.

Throughout, they faithfully attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Palm City and continued to visit treasured family in Naples, FL, Hollywood, FL, and New Jersey.

Ultimately, as Bill's Alzheimer's disease progressed, Brenda and Bill moved away from beloved friends and family to Tuscaloosa, AL, where the support and guidance of their son, Jim and daughter-in-law, Lori Alexander Barrett awaited them. During this time, Brenda faced great challenges, yet also embraced the opportunity to author several books with Lori, who also helped Brenda exhibit her beautiful paintings and books wherever possible. Sadly, Bill passed December 6, 2022, and Brenda died a mere 18 months to the day later.

She is survived by her son, James Barrett and wife, Lori; her daughter, Dianne Gray; grandchildren Christina Aguilera and Amy Salazar (Timy); three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Christine Morrison; nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Bill Zeller; her grandson, Austin Gray; her parents, sister, Janet Morrison Silvia and brother, H. Stuart Morrison.

The family is tremendously grateful for Beret, Susie, and Jennifer, as well as the other caregivers who helped Brenda and Bill during their time in Tuscaloosa.

While her family grieves this profound loss, they know she is now reunited with Jesus and her beloved Bill and for that they are grateful.

Please join the family as they celebrate the fabulous matriarch, Brenda, on Saturday, June 15th, at Christ Episcopal Church. The address of the church is 605 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd N., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Visitation and fellowship with the family begins at 10:00, the service begins at 11:00, and there will be a graveside service afterwards at Williamson Cemetery, in Northport, AL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Brenda's beloved community at Connect: Where Love Never Forgets at this link connectforjoy.org