Brenda K. Matheny

It is with sorrowful hearts that we announce the passing of Brenda Keister Matheny, aged 77, on May 4, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Brenda’s spirit was a light, and she will be deeply missed.

Born on August 20, 1947, in Keysville, Virginia, to Tal and Maxine Keister, Brenda grew up in Fredericksburg with a with a zest for life, finding joy in learning, dancing, and listening to The Beatles. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Bachelors and Masters in Education. Richmond became Brenda’s home. She loved the changing seasons, the energy of the city, and the peacefulness of the James River. Brenda met her husband, Steve, and her best friend and chosen sister, Eve, while at VCU, and VCU would also later became her career. As a college advisor, Brenda worked with transfer students; she loved helping them find their place at the university. Brenda’s dedication and empathy will long be remembered among her colleagues and students.

Brenda’s ultimate love was her family. She was a devoted wife to Steve, her partner of 58 years, and mother to Catherine and Emma. She was a source of unconditional love and support, bringing sparkle and humor to her family. Becoming a grandmother changed Brenda’s entire world, and she treasured her role as Grammie to Charlotte, Robin, and Evan. She loved to paint, color, and sing with them when they were little, completely immersing herself in their worlds.

Despite her lifelong struggle with disabling rheumatoid arthritis, Brenda will be remembered for her vivacity and flair. Never one to let her pain or physical limitations stop her, she adapted her world so she could live life to the fullest. She loved the movement of dancing; she loved walking the beaches of Anna Maria Island in the aliveness of the wind and waves, collecting shells in her hands. She loved painting in watercolors, especially the way the watercolors flowed across the canvas in a dramatic fashion. She loved Agatha Christie novels, mystery movies, bunnies, and flamingoes. Mostly, though, Brenda loved her family and her friends, and she was cared for and loved by them to the end.

Brenda leaves her husband, Steve, her daughters, Catherine and Emma, her son-in-law, Charles, her chosen sister, Eve, her grandchildren, Charlotte, Robin, and Evan, and a multitude of treasured friends that she held close to her heart from different chapters in her life.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date, with family and friends gathering to rejoice in Brenda's life. There will be dancing.