Brenda Kay (Benson) Jacobs

Mrs. Brenda “My Barn” Kay Jacobs, 81, of Knoxville, Illinois passed away surrounded by her loved ones at 2:18 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Seminary Manor.

She was born on November 7, in Ottawa, Illinois, the daughter of Leonard Vail Benson and Dorothy Ione (Nagle) Benson. She first married Dave Huddle and later married Don Jacobs, spending 25 loving years together before he preceded her in death on April 9, 2006.

Brenda is survived by her son, Randy Lee “Tex” Huddle of Knoxville, two daughters, Carla Kay (Al) Friedland of Moline and Julie Ann (Ty) Pedigo of Galesburg, a stepson, David (Lisa) Jacobs of Highland, a stepdaughter, Shelly (Troy) Curtis of Galesburg, a sister, Linda L. Benson of Illinois, 9 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Lana Lou (Frank) Peterson.

Brenda attended Galesburg schools and later earned her GED. She will be remembered as a hard worker, working for Higgins Dairy, Gates, and working in sales and as a bank teller. She even attended Scott Community College to get her CDL to drive for Guenther trucking. She attended First Nazarene Church of Galesburg and was a proud member of the international Red Hat Society. She also enjoyed keeping up with yard maintenance, cooking, baking, and using her sewing skills to make clothing and Christmas stockings for the family. She had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed riding her motorcycle with friends and decorating for each and every holiday. Most of all, Brenda loved her family and had lots of love for children, she helped care for her grandchildren, great grandchildren and showed support for all their activities.

The family of Brenda Kay Jacobs would like to thank Hospice Compassus, and Gina Riner and Laura Hertz of the Illinois Cancer Center for the compassion and love they extended to their mother during her illness.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. A committal service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Knoxville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus, Illinois Cancer Center, or Bright Futures. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.

Services
Memorial Service
Thursday
November 13, 2025
10:00 AM
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc.
1070 West Fremont St.
Galesburg, IL 61401

Graveside Service
Thursday
November 13, 2025
11:30 AM
Knoxville Cemetery
N. Market St.
Knoxville, IL 61448

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