Supporting, charming, charismatic leader
Brent was the embodiment of “meeting someone where they are.” He was a force that instantly lit up any room and welcomed without judgment. He advocated for the underdog, showed genuine concern for others, and displayed innate leadership to take on new things. Natural devotion and charm were sources of inspiration to Brent’s circle. Though his father suddenly passed away in Brent’s early years, he formed tight bonds with his mother, sister, and friends.
As a kid, Brent and his close friends ran the neighborhood, building forts, camping outdoors, and playing on the street. He also excelled at youth sports like basketball and football. Social times full of laughter were his favorite moments. With determination and a sound work ethic, he taught himself car repair and helped with tasks that his community couldn’t do for themselves.
Despite ongoing struggles with substance use disorder, Brent finished high school in 2006 and was on the path to trade school. In the meantime, he worked in retail and construction, balancing work with family. He was a young father who wanted to provide his kids with the stable, hopeful home life that he never had. He tried his best even though the cards were stacked against him. His mother Sheila, deep in the throes of substance use disorder herself, noticed her pain medication supply dwindling. As his misuse continued, Brent became fixated, easily angered, outwardly irritable, and appeared selfish, though it wasn’t natural to his character. To lead the charge for change, Sheila pursued recovery, joining a 10-month program, hoping he would follow. Sure enough, he did. Unfortunately, after five months of substance-free existence, temptation proved too difficult. Misuse of fentanyl ended Brent’s life in October 2010.
Brent’s sudden passing and the chasm he left behind caused immeasurable grief to his closest family. Sheila misses his presence, voice, and smile, reminded of his legacy every time she sees her grandchildren. She advocates to translate such intense, endless grief into purpose. She maintains her sobriety by attending support groups, representing substance use disorder in places of worship, and moderating a Facebook page called Celebrate Recovery Cedartown to increase community support, aiming to create hope in dark places as her son once did. Brent’s attempts at recovery, despite so much stacked against him, stand as a tribute to his enduring spirit and the power of never giving up.
In Brent’s hometown of Cedartown, Georgia, his final day, October 11, became the new date for Accidental Overdose Awareness Day thanks to his mother’s advocacy at the city’s commission meeting. This lasting tribute to the impact of this remarkable, well-known, and much-loved man will continue for years to come, long after mother and son are reunited in Heaven.
Brent’s mother and sister, Sheila Barrett and Mary Kathryn, provided the information for this narrative.
January 14, 1988–October 11, 2010–Age 22
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
