A well-known North Mississippi newspaperwoman and devoted mother died early Monday morning in Grenada after a sudden illness.
Brenda Rush Lee was 80 years old. She was born on Oct. 26, 1944, in Albuquerque, N.M., and died on Aug. 18, 2025. Before her retirement, Brenda and her husband were co-owners and publishers of The Daily Sentinel-Star in Grenada, the Tate Record in Senatobia and the Times-Democrat in Tunica. However, absolutely nothing deflected her laser focus on the welfare and happiness of her family. She was a true classic Southern Mother who cherished, guided, protected, and, yes, on occasion, scolded her small family. She was known as the “BOH” – short for the “Boss of The House.” She ruled her small kingdom on Holly Lane with endless energy and devoted authority.
Brenda grew up a loyal Presbyterian, but later joined the Methodist Church so her young children could benefit from the larger church’s youth program to which she mandated their participation. Although Brenda’s family was rooted in Neshoba County, at the time of her early schooling they lived in Florida. She graduated from Edison High School in Miami, Fla. She attended Ole Miss, as did her father, and she received a triple degree in sociology, mathematics and journalism. She was a member of the famed Ole Miss Rebelette twirlers. She participated in many activities at the university including the school newspaper and the Campus Senate.
Brenda taught sociology at the University and later taught at the high school level in Panola County. She also taught scores of Grenada area young ladies baton twirling over two decades and led the “Grenadettes Twirling Squad” in many Grenada Christmas Parades.
Brenda’s parents were the late James Rush and the late Collette Cockrell Rush of Philadelphia.
Her brother, Rex Rush, preceded Brenda in death in February 2025.
Survivors include, her husband of nearly 60 years, Joseph B. Lee III; her son, Joseph B. “Jay” Lee IV; her daughter, Collette “Muffet” Lee McPhail, and her grandson, Beauregard “Beau” West McPhail. Brenda is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lil Rush; nieces, Alyssa Rush and Shelby Rush, and grandniece, Mila Hurtado.
Visitation is scheduled for noon on Friday, Aug. 22, at Grenada’s First Methodist Church. Funeral services are set to begin at 2 p.m., in the church sanctuary. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Grenada.
Pallbearers include Phil Embry, Dick Williams, Ernie Felker, Mike Hyneman, Girault Jones, Phil Poovey, Bill James, Herb Parks and Filo Coats.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada is in charge of arrangements.
