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A distinguished public servant for over 45 years, Brenda Paulette Ewell Carr continues to give, even when she’s the one receiving recognition.  While accepting the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, for her many years volunteering on behalf of the state’s agricultural community, Carr delivered a powerful message to the non-profit company’s leadership.

“If you have a grandson or granddaughter, give them a card and say if I’m not going to be around forever, these people can help you,” Carr said.

Carr was passing on the wise advice given by her father when she left home to attend college.

“In 1962, my mom was in the house packing my suitcase to go to Vanderbilt.  And, my Daddy took me off in another room and he said, ‘Honey, I have something for you that you are going to need all your life.’ And so I said, ‘What could that be?’  He handed me a card for the Farm Bureau.  He said, ‘We won’t always be around but these are people that you can go to and find answers.  They will be understanding and they will help you throughout your life.’”

Brenda Paulette Ewell graduated from Manchester Central High School and went on to receive her x-ray certification from Vanderbilt. She was married for ten years to the late Bill Woodfin, who died of cancer, leaving her with two young sons. She opened two Gloria Marshall Fitness Salons in Nashville that were eventually sold to Jenny Craig.

In 1977, Brenda Paulette Ewell Woodfin married Randall Carr, a Cross Plains row crop farmer. And then, in 1979, with the help of her husband, family, friends, and neighbors, Ms. Carr transformed their farm into a wild horse and burro adoption center. She went on to open similar operations in Ohio and Texas. Ms. Carr and her husband were responsible for the adoption of over 30,000 wild mustangs. In 2001 she helped organize the Mustang Heritage Foundation. In October 2024 she was inducted into the non-profit organization’s Hall of Fame.

Since Carr’s parents both had Farm Bureau insurance, it has been a focal point of her life.  She served on the Board of Directors for many years and is active with Farm Bureau Women.

“We have got to really try to encourage more people to get involved whether they buy our insurance or not. You’ve got to get involved. Someday we may all be trying to feed ourselves.”

Carr volunteers with a group from her church to help feed people in need. She also values her friendships with other farmers, and says they recognize that God is in control of it all.

Although her husband, Randall, passed away in 2022, Ms. Carr remains active on the farm, looking after dozens of wild mustangs and burros, as well as overseeing 200 head of beef cattle.

The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s Distinguished Service Award is the organization’s highest honor. “I am humbled and grateful,” Ms. Carr told the large crowd gathered at the Franklin Cool Springs Mariott. “I was very excited when I was told. I am truly excited. But I owe all this glory to God!”