Beautiful, loving, ambitious, compassionate, adventurous
Brehanna Cotney, or Bre, was born on her mother’s birthday (“The best birthday present ever,” her mother said.) She was the oldest child in a large family that includes mother Elizabeth Walker, stepfather Nathan Walker and her four siblings Austin and Noah Cotney and Terry and Michael Kelly. Bre also had her father and stepmother, BJ and Mandy Campbell and their children Elijah, Sissy, and Hope. She was close to her grandparents, Brad and Debbie Campbell, and her uncle Chris Cotney. Bre was also a mother to two boys – Aiden Melendez and Kandon Turner.
Her mother Elizabeth notes that Bre was extremely compassionate–always trying to help others even when she was dealing with her own issues. She said that “[Bre] helped others by trying to motivate and encourage them even when she was struggling. She made a huge impact on many.” One of her efforts to help others included writing letters and leaving them in the park in various places, hoping that others who were struggling would find them and feel comforted.
Devoted to her Christian faith, Bre enjoyed drawing, journaling, fishing, and making others laugh. She was also very adept at mimicking the voice of Mickey Mouse!
Bre loved spending time with her siblings and family. She especially enjoyed doing her little sister Terri’s hair and make-up for dance competitions, and “cutting up” with her siblings. She was particularly close to her grandparents, Brad, and Debbie, who affectionately called her “Angel Baby.”
Bre loved time with her little boys–taking them to the park and playing with them on the floor. She was passionate about getting her life back on track, so she could care for them.
Bre’s substance use disorder (SUD) caused her to withdraw from the family, leaving them missing her terribly. It was difficult to watch her withdrawals and see her struggling to overcome her addiction. Through this ordeal, Bre’s family learned that “addiction is a disease and started with a choice.” Today the family has started Bre’s Ministry ,“to advocate for those who face the same struggles, to raise awareness and share the hope found in Christ.” Additionally, they host overdose awareness events.
Bre’s mother states, “It is a form of torture…watching your child suffer from something you can’t save them from. A helpless feeling. I will never be the same. Her family will never be the same.”
Bre’s mother, Elizabeth Walker, provided the information for this narrative.
February 9, 2000–October 1, 2021-Age 21
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Justin Robertson
