Brenda Lee Harlan

Brenda Lee Harlan, (74), passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Brenda was born in Tampa, FL to Ollie and Lola Dupree on September 20, 1951. She graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1969 and went on to marry Roy Earl Harlan on April 26, 1971. She began working as a Judicial Assistant at the Hillsborough County Courthouse in 1981 and retired in 2015 after working for Judge Daniel L. Perry.

Brenda is preceded in death by both of her parents, as well as all three of her brothers: Ollie Jr., Beyer, and Larry Dupree. Brenda is survived by her husband of 54 years, Roy Harlan; her son, Casey Harlan; her daughter, Jessica Harlan (Arik Bishop); her chosen daughter, Anita Ventura; grandchildren: Riley Tafoya (Trey Tafoya); Jake Harlan; Brace and Capp Bishop; and her chosen grandson, Jaden Ventura. Brenda is also survived by two great-grandchildren: James and Jackson Tafoya; as well as several nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Brenda had a heart that loved deeply and was an inspiration to many. She was selfless, funny, and always happy. She supported women and preached equality. She had a memory that amazed, sarcasm that could not be beat, an occasional naughty side, a stubborn streak, and a laugh that was completely contagious. On a regular basis, and with a gigantic smile, she thrilled her grandchildren by giving them snacks for no apparent reason. Up until the very end, during her toughest year of life, she cared about everyone - even while she was experiencing great pain.

Brenda was always up for an adventure and made friends with everyone she met. She loved people watching, socializing, French Vanilla coffee creamer, genuinely celebrating others’ accomplishments, shopping, reading, Jeopardy, sugar free popsicles, playing Rummy with the grownups and Old Maid with the kids, silliness, family time, making up and singing songs completely out of the blue, buttered popcorn, and floating in the ocean for hours on end. More than anything, however, she absolutely adored being a Grammy, and it was this role she filled the very best. Brenda (Grammy) will be forever remembered and forever missed.

Per her request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as this was Brenda’s most favorite charity to which she donated monthly.