Former Educator, Brenda Buntin, Dies at 77

Brenda Begley Buntin, a long-time Breathitt County educator and civic leader, died on Sunday, December 7, after a long struggle with health issues.

She was 77.

 Buntin taught a generation of students in the Perry and Breathitt County School systems and at Jackson City School.  She taught art and later served as the Director of Pupil Personnel at Breathitt and at Jackson.

Throughout her life, she had a passion for art and enjoyed sharing that love for visual beauty with her students.

The daughter of the late Pearl and Effie (Morgan) Begley, Buntin is survived by her husband, Rich Buntin, one son, one brother, and one sister.  She also left behind numerous lifelong friends to mourn her passing.

She was a member of the Jackson Woman’s Club, former Director of the Breathitt County Community Council, and a former member of the Breathitt County Health Department Board.  Buntin also worked as a Community Health Educator for the Health Department and often spoke to schools and community organizations about healthy life practices.

She sponsored many school groups, including the BETA Club and others.

Buntin was diagnosed at a young age with a heart condition that several doctors believed would prematurely end her life before adulthood.  She relied on her strength, which she often attributed to her mother, to defy all predictions and live a full and happy life. 

Funeral services for Brenda Buntin are scheduled for Friday, December 12, at the First Church of God of Jackson on Highway 30 West, where she attended.

She will be buried in the Jackson Cemetery.