Brenna Kathleen McLellan Campbell was born Feb. 14, 1984 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. It is no coincidence that Brenna was born on the day of love, Valentine’s Day, in Niagara Falls which was once considered the Love Capital of the United States. Brenna represented all that Valentine’s Day celebrates to especially include love, flowers, chocolates, gift giving, and togetherness.
Brenna graduated from Leesville High School and taught special education in Rapides Parish. She was a loving, caring, and devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt, friend, and wife. Those who knew Brenna best can attest that she was as beautiful and brilliant as she was stubborn and feisty. Brenna greatly loved her family and friends, with her greatest joy and love being her daughter Caitlin.
Brenna loved cooking, singing, listening to music, Harry Potter, teaching, and reading. Brenna was most proud of her ambition, resourcefulness, determination, and cleverness. She earned three degrees to include a Bachelor’s in Criminology, a Master’s in Education, and a Master’s in Special Education. Brenna loved travel and experiencing different cultures. Brenna grew up as an Army Brat and lived in Germany for three years before she was two years old. By the age of four, she was fluent in German. While Brenna attended elementary school in El Paso, Texas, she quickly learned and mastered speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language as well.
Brenna comes from a family with a long military history and a love of patriotism and this nation. Brenna was a compassionate person with special attention towards children and animals. Brenna was able to serve children in need as a foster parent and was always available for any family and friends in need.
She will be celebrated and missed by her husband, Daniel Smith of Springfield, Mo.; and her daughter, Caitlin Campbell; her mother, Terri Wessling and husband Carroll of Leesville, La.; her siblings, Megan Colleen and Tyler Alexander McLellan; and nephew, Mason McLellan; her sister-in-law, Andrea Smith; and brother-in-law, Rick Bagwell; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Smith; grandfather, David Pullen; Uncle Bill and Aunt Kathy Braselton; and cousins, Matthew and Christopher Braselton.
We would like to respectfully acknowledge the following people in Brenna’s life: Christopher Campbell, Caitlin’s father; and his parents, Curt and Carol Campbell; his sister, Tess and husband Eric and kids; and dear family friends, “My” Diana and Mr. Don Light; Andrea Duncan and sons Arkendrious and Armond; and her godson, Khaza Duncan; and Uncle Mike and Aunt Marlene Anderson.
Brenna will be greeted in heaven by her Mimi; Grandpa Geno and Grandma Nancy; great-grandparents, MeeMaw and PaPaw Pullen; and great-great-grandparents, Pearl and Elmer Green.
Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are currently being planned for Leesville, La., and Pensacola Beach, Fla., at a later time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that time be spent volunteering at your local school or animal shelter to best honor Brenna’s passion and memory.