A well-known North Mississippi newspaperwoman and devoted mother died early Monday morning at UMMC-Grenada hospital after a sudden illness.
Brenda Rush Lee was 80 years old. She was born in Albuquerque, NM, on Oct. 26, 1944 and died Monday, 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.
She 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 was graduated from Edison High School in Miami. 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.
She taught Sociology at the University and later taught at the high school level in Panola County.
Brenda 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 Collette Cochrall Rush of Philadelphia, MS.
She is survived by 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.
She is also survived by her Sister-In-Law Lill Rush; nieces Alyssa and Shelby Rush; and Grand Niece Mila Hurtado.
Her brother Rex Rush preceded her in death in February, 2025.
Visitation is scheduled for noon, Friday, August 22, at Grenada’s First Methodist Church. Services are set to begin at 2 p.m., in the church sanctuary. Internment will be at 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 may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).
