Brenda Joyce Brown passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on January 26, 2021 in Hanford, California. Her life began October 10, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee, the second child born to the union of the late King Armour, Jr. and Beatrice D. Armour. She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized in Memphis. Always wise beyond her years, she graduated from Melrose High in 1969, at age 17. She would also marry the love of her life, Marion Otis Brown (Snooky), later that same year.
After several relocations as an Army wife, Brenda and her husband moved to Seaside, California where she continued her education and began her career in nursing, graduating in 1985 as a Registered Nurse. They eventually settled in Avenal, California, where she began a successful career at Avenal State Prison. There, she climbed the ranks over the course of 18 years, retiring in 2010 as a Supervising Registered Nurse ll. Leading by the motto “fair, firm, and consistent”, a deep respect and love for her was formed by all whom worked beneath her and beside her.
A successful career would not be her greatest achievement, however. She and Snooky would raise two beautiful daughters, Koneechia and Goneeka. She took great pride in watching them grow and achieve personal and career goals, both becoming nurses.
If you knew Brenda, as family or friend, you were a reflection of her in some way. She touched the lives of everyone she met, leaving a lasting impression. She was a God-fearing wild child. She loved music and loved to dance, often traveling with friends and family to jazz festivals and R&B concerts. She was a master chef, having partially burned down the kitchen only once. Whether it was a small family gathering or feeding hundreds, Brenda proudly accepted the opportunity to share her gift with others. She LOVED football and usually declined to watch publicly due to her expansive vocabulary when the game wasn’t going her way. Brenda was an avid hunter for a good deal at a yard sale or thrift store. She was always looking…and always giving. She was giving of her time, her wisdom, her possessions, her money (often to the casino, and the only time she’d take her giving back), and mostly, her love. She opened her home to many children in need, being a foster parent for many years, and later, opening the door to each and every one of her children’s friends. She constantly provided a place of comfort, safety, love, and support to any one who needed it. She encouraged all young people she met to get an education. She will be missed every day here by her loved ones, but she is surely dancing in Heaven to the tunes of The Temptations or Luther Vandross, rejoined with other loved ones.
Brenda leaves to celebrate her homegoing: two daughters, Koneechia Edwards (Kyle) and Goneeka Ezejiaku (Dozie); ‘Favorite’ son, Paul Williams (Kenyeih); four grandchildren, Joshua and Kyla Edwards, and Maliah and Donnin Williams; four sisters, Letita, Deiadre, and Kendra Armour, and Crystal Binns (Angus); one brother, Ronald Davis; three Goddaughters, Tequila Houston, Shaquiel Nottage, and Skylar Chubbs; Brothers-in-law Minister Nicholas (Dedra), Leo (Linda Cody), Melvin, Stanley (Deloise), and Samuel (Lisa) Brown. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, dear friends, and surrogate family members, including Myrtle Randell and Janice Ross.
Preceding her in passing is her beloved grandfather John Kinnie Roberts, who had a starring role in her upbringing, along with his wife Josie; Brothers Laurence Armour, Ronald Wright, and Kenneth Armour; Brother-in-law William Brown; Sister-in-law Blanchie Brown; and welcoming her with his infectious laugh and smile, her husband Snooky.
On February 16, 2021, Brenda was cremated per her wishes. A celebration of life will take place when the weather warms up and we are able to gather safely and truly celebrate. Her final resting place will be with her husband at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5