Brenda Matthews Waller

Brenda Faye Matthews Waller, 75, of Albany, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love. Born on February 8, 1950 to Virginia Irwin Matthews and William (Bill) Matthews, Brenda was raised in Thomaston, Georgia with strong roots in family and community. She later moved to Griffin, Georgia where she raised a family and spent most of her life.

Brenda earned her nursing degree from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton and spent her career as a dedicated registered nurse, working in the emergency room of Spalding Regional Hospital. Her calm presence, sharp mind, and deep compassion made her a source of strength for countless patients and families during their most difficult moments.

Brenda lived a vibrant and adventurous life. She was passionate about travel, needlepoint, and cross stitching, and found joy in the little details of life. A devoted mother of her two sons, she shared her love of bicycling with them, and the three completed many Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) events together – memories they will always cherish.

She especially loved the beaches of Key West and Panama City, but her most remarkable journey began at age 47, after the passing of her beloved husband, Leon (Carter) Waller. With a backpack and unstoppable spirit, Brenda traveled the world solo, venturing through China, Russia, India, and Europe – a testament to her bravery and independence.

Before that, Brenda and Carter shared many adventures together—including riding motorcycles side by side. She had her own bike and loved taking off on weekend trips to places like Daytona Beach, Biloxi, and the Great Smokey Mountains. Whether cruising scenic highways or stopping at small towns along the way, those rides were filled with freedom, laughter, and love.

Brenda had a deep affection for animals, especially her dogs and cats. Her home was always open to furry companions, and they were part of her family. She also had a lifelong love for the movie The Wizard of Oz and was often lovingly compared to Dorothy—brave, curious, and aways searching for home. That sense of wonder, paired with a grounded heart, made her unforgettable to those who knew her.

Christmas held a special place in Brenda’s heart. In a uniquely Brenda fashion, she transformed her father’s former cow pasture into a Christmas tree farm – a living legacy now known as The Rock Christmas Tree Farm in The Rock, Georgia. It became not just a business but a passion project with her son, Matthew. It is where she felt most alive. Even in her final days, she dreamed of returning to “the farm.” It was her happy place.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Carter Waller. She is survived by her brother William Clayton (Clay) Matthews, two sons: William (Bill) Waller and his wife Johnetta Waller, and son Matthew Waller; as well as four grandsons whom she adored: John Waller, Thomas Waller, Duncan Waller, and Lance Waller.

Her warmth, tenacity, and sense of wonder will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

The family will hold a service at a later date.