Brenda met James Ronald “Ronnie” Atnip, in 1960, where they became high school sweethearts and dated for the next 7 and a half years. After a short 8-day engagement before Ronnie departed for the Navy, they were married on March 9, 1968, at the First Baptist Church in Bonham. As a testament to her love and commitment, Brenda saved every penny the Navy sent her while Ronnie was deployed, so they had a nest egg to start their life together after his service. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, hard work, and deep devotion to family.
Brenda began her professional career at General Cable, where she advanced from receptionist to Human Resource Manager, while also earning her college degree. She later served as Human Resource Manager at Wolverine Manufacturing and took great pride in helping open the company’s branch in Monterrey, Mexico. She and Ronnie were also longtime owners of Frontier Properties, where Brenda continued selling real estate after retiring from Wolverine. There she made her mark by being recognized as one of the top sellers in Fannin County for many years.
Brenda’s life was defined by her devotion to those she held dear. As the matriarch of her family, she provided a foundation of support and wisdom that guided multiple generations. She took immense pride in her grandchildren’s achievements, remaining a constant, cheering presence in their lives.
Beyond her role at home, Brenda shared a spirit of adventure with Ronnie; together, they spent years traveling, creating a lifetime of stories and shared journeys.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Hester Hanner; her sisters, Mary Helen Lusk, Ruby Lusk Bedwell, and Lola Hanner Fry; and her brothers, Bill Lusk and Bobby Lusk.
Brenda is survived by her beloved husband, Ronnie Atnip of Bonham, Texas; her daughters, Dana Ostos and husband Michael of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Ashlea Gibson and husband Brian of Melissa, Texas; and her five treasured grandchildren, Danielle Ostos, Isabel Ostos, Dylan Ostos, Parke Gibson, and Cash Gibson. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Margie Hanner Holmsley of Dodd City, Texas, as well as several nieces and nephews.
The Atnip family would like to say a special thank you to Brenda's care givers, Caitlyn Robinson, Jean Bowen, Laura Ballard and Yesenia Tovar for their dedication.
A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate her life and legacy.
Funeral services for Brenda Irene Atnip will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham, with graveside service to follow at Willow Wild Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Parke Gibson, Cash Gibson, Dylan Ostos, Lance Fry, Gary Shelton, and Jeff Shelton.
Honorary pallbearers are Michael Ostos and Bryan Gibson.
Surrounded by love in her final moments, just as she was throughout her life, Brenda’s warmth, guidance, and unwavering devotion to her family will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com
