Former AAC director remembered for work ethic, kindness

When the news of former AAC Executive Director Brenda Pruitt’s passing was posted to the association’s social media platforms, the comment section was filled with people sharing kind words and memories about her.

Brenda, who lived in Judsonia, died Nov. 15, at the age of 80. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Buddy Pruitt; two sons, Mark (Kathleen) Pruitt of Beebe, and Tim (Claire) Pruitt of Olive Branch, Mississippi; six grandchildren: Drew Pruitt, Miriam Pruitt, Allison Pruitt, Hunter Pruitt, Emma Pruitt, and Cody Wood; five great-grandchildren; brother, Mitchell (Marie) Wood of El Dorado, Kansas, and several nephews, according to her obituary.

Brenda worked for AAC for a total of 18 years, including as an administrative assistant to Director Jim Baker. She also managed the AAC Risk Management Program and Workers’ Comp Trust for several years. During her tenure as the AAC’s only female executive director, she worked to set aside funding for a future expansion of the facility, which was later completed debt free.

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Prior to joining the AAC, Brenda worked for the White County Judge’s Office.

Both current AAC Executive Director Chris Villines and former AAC Executive Director Eddie Jones praised Brenda’s worth ethic.

“Brenda epitomized class and was a good friend, solid leader and dedicated servant to counties. She will be missed, and prayers abound for Buddy and family,” Villines said.

When asked about Brenda, Jones wrote these comments:

“Brenda was loyal and committed to the job to a fault. She was tiny but mighty. She would have tangled with a grizzly if that’s what it took to get the job done. And even though she worked hard every day with a form of crippling arthritis you never heard her complain. She would walk the marble halls of the Capitol all day with the toughest — even in her high heels and never complain. She’s the one for which you can truly say, ‘She did her job — and she did it well.’”

Current AAC Board President Debbie Wise called Brenda “an inspiration to many.”

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