Brenda Jane Gonzales

Brenda Jane Gonzales 78, of Lake City passed from this life on April 12, 2026, at her home. She was born January 3, 1948, in Lake City to the late Della and CN Hafer. Brenda was raised in the Methodist Church of the Lake View community, attended Bismarck Methodist Church in Bismarck, Arkansas after moving there in the late 90’s before moving back to Northeast Arkansas in 2021 where she was an active member of Dixie Baptist Church in Dixie, Arkansas. She was a 1966 graduate of Dixie High School. She lived in the Dixie and Lester Communities for most of her life, briefly moving to Houston, Texas for her job where she met her second husband Joseph Gonzales. Later, retiring to the Bismarck community outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas and returning home to be closer to family before going on to her Heavenly home.

Brenda spent her life caring for her loved ones, volunteering and participating in various outreach programs with her churches and always sharing the love of Jesus. She enjoyed watching television and going to the movies. Her most cherished pastime was visiting with family and friends; she especially loved spending time with her daughter and her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, older brother Gaylon Hafer, a brother-in-law Don Bryant, niece, Elizabeth Hafer, and sister-in-law Ruth Hafer. She is survived by one daughter, Leigh (Jeff)  Wells of Paragould; one granddaughter Savannah Wells of Fayetteville; one grandson Matthew (Hallee)Wells of Paragould; one sister Billie Bryant of Dixie;  two nieces Tammie (Jake) Chamberlain of Dixie and Jackie (Mark) Frost of Paragould; as well as several bonus children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from her last marriage whom she loved very much and prayed for daily.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital or Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Memorials may also be made to Dixie Baptist Church, please contact the church at dixiebaptistsbc@gmail.com.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday April 18, 2026, at 3 pm, at Dixie Baptist Church, 6879 Hwy 135 Lake City, Arkansas, with Pastor Jamey Carter officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hathcoat Funeral Services.