Brenda Kay Keefer, 65, of Decatur, passed away Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at a local hospital. She was born Dec. 20, 1951 in Lubbock, Texas to Walter Lee Tyler and Helen Tyler.

She worked over 32 years for the Federal Government, first as an Airman in the US Airforce and as a civilian employee for the Department of Defense. She was a graduate of the University of Arkansas. After her retirement from federal service she worked as a substitute teacher for the Decatur School System. She was a very kind, generous, and fun loving person with a very warm sense of humor. She was a loving and devoted mother to her two daughters and four grandchildren.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents Walter Lee Tyler and Helen Tyler, and her sister Debbie Figueroa.

She is survived by partner Frank Tarpley of Decatur, AL; two daughters, Hillary Grady (Burt) of Novato, CA, Heather Lavance of Escanaba, MI; four grandchildren, Colin Grady, Noelle Lavance, Zachary Lavance and Austin O'Leary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Spry Funeral Home.  The family will have a memorial service in Brenda’s honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the American Cancer Society. 

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