Brenda J. Story, 78, of Spring Bay, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 at OSF. St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born August 22, 1947 in Peoria to the late Donald and Marcella Darr Claywell. She married David O. Philips on January 28, 2005; he preceded her in death on June 9, 2014.

Surviving are her children, Don Story, Todd (Rachel) Story, and Jezzlynn Story; her grandchildren, Tiffany, Brittany, Josh, and Kaitlin; and nine great-grandchildren.

Brenda worked as a reporter for the Journal Star until retiring in 2007. She was creative and loved woodworking and art projects. She enjoyed traveling and attending Pekin First Nazarene with Jezzlynn. Her best job was being a wonderful grandma.

Cremation rites have been accorded, a celebration of life will be from1-5:00pm on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Bayview Gardens Village Hall, 300 Garber Ln., East Peoria.. Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Heart and Lung Associates.