Brenda Gayle Simon

Brenda was born on March 18, 1953 in Liberty, TX to John Harold Simon and the late Margie Simon. She graduated from Bishop Conaty Memorial High School in 1971. Shortly after, she enlisted in the United States Army where she proudly served for 8 years both in the States and in Germany. Brenda was honorably discharged in 1979. During her years in the Army, Brenda met and married Vester Levingston with whom she had 3 children: Stephanie, Elton, and Harold.

Brenda was an extremely resilient woman. After she served in the Army, she joined civilian life as a data entry clerk. But Brenda saw the future and it was computers. Brenda loved working with computer technology and served this field for over 40 years. She stayed on top of the latest innovations, always seeking to educate herself more. Brenda retired from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as a Systems Support Specialist after serving the technological needs of the office for over 20 years.

Brenda accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1983 at her sister’s kitchen table. She served the Lord with great enthusiasm. She was a soldier for our country and a soldier for Christ. She was a fierce prayer warrior. Her prayer list was many pages long and she prayed faithfully every morning at 5 am even during her battle with her own illness. A friend once told us that when Brenda walked into a place, the devil trembled in her presence. Jesus was first in Brenda’s life. She lived and worked tirelessly for his kingdom. She would give you the shirt off her back and opened her door to many friends. She was a big giver and always wanted the best for everyone.

Brenda was a faithful member of Water of Life Community Church for over 7 years. She graduated in the inaugural class of The Water of Life School of Ministry. Brenda joined the school of Ministry during her battle with her illness and remained faithful to her studies until graduation. She continued her studies and recently joined the Healing ministries.

Brenda loved sewing and cooking. Her sewing was a treasured gift to her friends and family. She sewed costumes for her children’s plays, niece’s drill team, and even aprons for her granddaughter’s cookie baking party. Her cooking specialties were dirty rice, potato salad, and her famous green 7-up cake. Brenda also was a huge Golden Girls fan. She often quoted the ladies of this show to illustrate some life lesson.

After the death of her mother, Brenda became the matriarch of the family. She loved to host family gatherings and she was always the life of the party. She made friends with everybody she met. Brenda was funny and witty. Even in her most difficult days, Brenda could make her family and friends smile.

Brenda is survived by her father John Harold Simon Sr., sister Marilyn Hayden, brother John (Reatha) Simon Jr., daughter Stephanie (Russell) Walton, son Elton Levingston, son Harold Levingston, grandchildren Christopher (Wanda) Walton, Angela (Danny) Walton, Lori, Steven, Erin, and Maya Walton, great-grandchildren David, Kristianna, future baby Walton, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

Brenda was beautiful inside and out. She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed.