Brenda Lea Clark, age 76, of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2026. She was born on Jan. 22, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to Henry Clifford Long and Floy Conner.
Brenda was a lifelong resident of Dayton. She grew up attending First Baptist Church of Dayton. She devoted several years of service to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
Brenda had a true passion for the outdoors. She loved working in her yard, landscaping, and caring for plants, a talent for which she was widely known. Her yard was often admired as the most beautiful in the area, and she proudly won “Yard of the Month” for three consecutive months—even though she lived outside the city limits. Her love for plants extended into business ownership, as she owned and operated both a greenhouse and an antique shop.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Clifford Long and Floy Conner; and by her beloved husband of 31 years, James Elmer Clark III.
Brenda is survived by her sons, David C. Jenkins and wife Tanya, and Cameron E. Graham; her brother, H. Clifford Long III and wife Chris; her sisters, Bertie Collier and Judy Mattingly; and her grandchildren, Cody Jenkins and wife Maegan, Brandon Jenkins and wife Jessica, Halie Casey and husband Dylan, Kaytlyn Frankum, and Ty Graham. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
A visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A Funeral service will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 11 a.m., also at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, with Pastor Guy Williams officiating.
Brenda Lea Clark will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her love of family, her devotion to her church, and the beauty she brought into the world through her gardens and her kindness.