Brenda Goldate Simpson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 15, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Brenda was born and raised in Madisonville, Louisiana, to the late Andrew Cecil Goldate and Aura Hano Goldate. She later moved to Lilburn, Georgia, with her late husband, Lee Simpson, where they built their home and raised their son, Andrew. Brenda and Lee lived in Lilburn for 33 years and became a beloved part of the community.
Brenda earned a master’s degree in elementary education and devoted much of her life to working with children. She taught first grade at Chahta-Ima Elementary in Lacombe, Louisiana, and preschool at St. John Neumann in Lilburn, Georgia. Her love of children and education was evident not only in her career, but also in the care and encouragement she gave to those around her.
Brenda was also the proud owner of The Chicken Coop, a boutique gift store in Lilburn. She had a love for beautiful and unique things and enjoyed sharing that love with others through her store.
Two years ago, Brenda and Lee moved to Springfield, Tennessee, so they could be closer to their beloved son, Andrew, and his family. Family was always at the center of Brenda’s life, and her greatest joy was her three grandchildren, Samuel, Annabelle, and Josiah. She treasured every moment with them and took great pride in watching them grow.
Brenda had a wonderful-and often sarcastic-sense of humor. She loved to laugh, loved making others laugh, and especially enjoyed giving her sisters a hard time. The four Goldate sisters shared a special bond that remained strong throughout their lives. Though life took them in different directions, they remained close at heart and deeply connected by their love for one another.
Brenda also found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved bird-watching and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels that visited her home. And if there was one thing that could always bring a smile to Brenda’s face, it was indulging in a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream!
Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Simpson; Lee’s daughter, Bonnie Simpson Sprouse; and her parents, Andrew Cecil Goldate and Aura Hano Goldate.
She is survived by her son, Andrew, whom she considered her greatest achievement; her daughter-in-law, Stephanie, whom she loved as a daughter; and her three cherished grandchildren, Samuel, Annabelle, and Josiah. Andrew and Stephanie live in Greenbrier, Tennessee. She is also survived by Lee’s daughters, Wendy Simpson of Gretna, Louisiana, and Laurie Simpson of New Orleans, Louisiana; her three sisters, Deborah Goldate Rushing (Wayne) of Abita Springs, Louisiana, Linda Goldate Lalanne (Pete) of Madisonville, Louisiana, and Carol Goldate Barlow (Ron) of Abita Springs, Louisiana; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.
During her final days, Brenda expressed that her only sadness was knowing she would not be here to see her grandchildren grow up. Yet she found comfort in her faith and in the belief that, through eternal life, she would one day be reunited with her loved ones.
Brenda will be deeply missed and loved beyond measure. Her laughter, her humor, her strength, and her extraordinary love for her family will remain with those who knew her. Brenda’s final gift was the gift of sight and healing through cornea and tissue donation.
Though her journey here is over, the love she gave so freely will continue through the lives of her children, grandchildren, sisters, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to the staff of Morningside of Springfield for the friendship and compassion they provided to Brenda. Their kindness and dedication meant so much to Brenda and her family.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Robertson County Funeral Home.
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