Brenda A Smith

Brenda A. Thornton was born in Baton Rouge Louisiana to her parents the late Dudley Thornton and Lena Marshal-Hills. She spent most of her time in St. Louis Missouri. She was born on April 22, 1948. Brenda transitioned peacefully surrounded by her family at the Baton Rouge Medical Center, Bluebonnet Dr. on December 23, 2024.

Brenda graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio with a bachelor’s degree. She graduated from the University of Dayton, Ohio with a master’s degree.

Brenda worked a variety of jobs, including fast-food restaurants and a Kroger Grocery Cashier. She also worked for 40 years as an Educator in the Springfield City Schools of Ohio, serving as a Teacher, Counselor, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal.

Brenda was a faithful member of the Central Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Brenda’s passion was traveling and playing Bridge. She enjoyed traveling to many countries and Bridget Tournaments across the United States. She was an excellent Bridge player.

Brenda participated in community activities: Sister Cancer Survivor Network, Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (A.K.A.), Camp Attracting Prospective Educators (C.A.P.E), East Baton Rouge Duplicate Bridge Club, Habitat for Humanity Springfield, Ohio, National Alliance of Black School Educators (N.A.B.S.E), Springfield Alliance of Black School Educators (S.A.B.S.E), Planned Parenthood, Jack and Jill of America and North High School Student Club.

Brenda is survived by her husband, James E. Smith, of East Liverpool, Ohio; Daughter, La`Brinda (Teresa) Smith-Howard of Circleville, Ohio; Son, Jaicob Smith of Springfield, Ohio; two grandchildren, Brendan (Rachel) Morgan and Isaiah (April) Morgan; and great-grandchildren, Jackson, and Jasper Morgan. Four Sisters, Myrtle Marshall –Knox, Juanita(Mose) Horton, Marine Patterson, and Cynthia Marchand; Six Brothers, James(Ivy) Marshall, Bertell Young, Arthur, Jerry, Clarence, and Joseph Hills.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Lena S. Marshall-Hills, Dudley Thornton; Brothers, Frank and Earl Marshall; Sisters, Pearlena M. Johnson, and Denise Hills, Brothers-In-Love, Elton Patterson and Matthew Marchand.

Please Join us live to celebrate the services of Mrs. Brenda Smith by clicking the link below on Saturday January 4th from 5-7 PM (CST) and 6-8 PM (EST).

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/brenda-a-smith-thornton-memori/609640651623224/