Brenda Boyd Higgs

It is with great sadness and sorrow that the family of Brenda Boyd Higgs announces her passing January 26, 2022. Brenda was born in Raleigh NC to Robert B. Boyd and Louise 0. Boyd. She is survived by Ron her husband of 53 years, Daughter Alison Higgs Anders, son-in-law Creighton Anders, beloved grandchildren Emma and George Anders, brother Robert H. Boyd of Raleigh NC and honorary son Tom Lash and his family of Tampa FL.

Brenda is a graduate of the "original" Milbrook High School (1962), East Carolina College (1966). She began her teaching career as the Home Economics teacher at York High School. She later taught at the newly opened Tabb High School. She left teaching to be a stay at home mom with her new daughter in 1977. Four years later, she started a cottage needlework design company, The Counting Bee. She was the creative force as well as successfully running the business aspects.

After closing The Counting Bee in 1988, she began work with Westat Research as a field supervisor for NAEP, The Nations Report Card, for the next 22 years. She retired in 2014 after a working life as a teacher, highly regarded by students and peers, successful business in artistic needlework design and developing teamwork for the NAEP field assessments in Virginia and across the country.

Active in her community, Brenda was a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an honorary society of leading educators, in Yorktown, VA and Midlothian, VA where she served as charter president.

She was a member of the Virginia Museum of Art. She was a member and past president of the Woodlake Woman's Club. She was active in her home church beginning with Bay Leaf Baptist, Raleigh NC with youth group and choir, Second Presbyterian Church, Newport News VA with choir and Sunday School and the Brandermill Church, Midlothian VA with choir.

Brenda was an avid bridge player, enjoyed cooking, hosting dinners and parties, outstanding seamstress and gardening.

As a member of an airline family she traveled the world enjoying new cultures, food and art. In all that she did, she strived to do the best she could. She succeeded in every way. She was a devoted wife, mother, citizen and gave love to many without being asked. She will be sorely missed. Well done thy good and faithful servant.

A visitation will be held Monday, January 31, 2022 from 5-7pm at Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Rd. A service will be held Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 11 am in the mausoleum at Greenwood Memorial Gardens 12609 Patterson Ave, followed by entombment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to HumanKind 1903 Humankind Way, Lynchburg VA 24503 or The American Cancer Society