Brenda Jane Netherland, 61, of Laurel, died Wednesday, Jan. 7,2009 at her mother’s home. She had fought a long and courageousbattle against cancer and was under the care of Forrest CountyGeneral Hospice Services.

Brenda was born in Brookhaven and moved to Laurel early in life,she was educated in Laurel city schools and graduated from R. H.Watkins in 1965. She attended Jones County Junior College and theUniversity of Southern Mississippi. Brenda returned to Jones CountyJunior College and received her associate degree in nursing in1993. She was employed at Forrest General Home Health Care.

She was a Certified Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Pine GroveBehavioral Health Services until she took medical retirement inApril 2005. Brenda loved nursing and was loved and respected by hercolleagues and patients. Brenda was a member of First BaptistChurch in Laurel.

Brenda’s family would like to thank Dr. Lisa Bond and staff, Dr.Todd Schitzman, Forrest General Home Care Services and ForrestGeneral Hospice Services for their care and support during herextended illness.

She is preceded in death by her father, Floyd CollinsNetherland.

She is survived by her mother, Waldaryn Rutter Netherland Busbyand stepfather, Howard W. Busby; her brother and sister-in-law,Douglas and Trisha Netherland, of Mandeville, La.; a host ofcousins; her beloved dog and constant companion, Bitsy; a specialfriend and caregiver, Flo Wyatt; and many precious friends.

Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel will be in charge of thearrangements. The Rev. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate. Visitationwill be at 1 p.m. Friday with the funeral service at 3:30 p.m.Burial will be at Lake Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Randy Moore, Dr. Douglas Jefcoat, ClayJohnson, Don Grimm, Stan Rutter and Nick Rutter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Lisa Bond, Dr. Todd Schitzman,Dr. Pat Barrett, Dr. James Moore, Steve Breland and DavidRatcliff.

Memorials may be made to Laurel Animal Rescue League or FirstBaptist Church in Laurel.