Brenda Cyrus Bartley

Brenda Bartley was born on January 20, 1952, to proud parents James and Bessie Mae Cyrus. She grew up in a loving home with her parents and sisters in Bogalusa, Louisiana. She attended Central Memorial High School, however (due to integration) ultimately graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1970. After high school, she attended Southern University (majoring in Business Education) along with her sisters. Once she finished college, Brenda moved to California where she met and married Arthur Luke. They lived in Sacramento, CA and had 2 children: Janiene and Phillip. She worked for the State of California for many years as a secretary and when she moved to Riverside, Brenda was employed by the Department of Corrections as a Vocational Instructor, retiring in 2009 after nearly 30 years of service to the State of California.

Brenda was a faithful member to a few churches over the years. She attended Bethlehem Baptist Church as a child in Boglausa, LA, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento, Park Avenue Missionary Baptist Church and Crossword Christian Church in Riverside, California.

Brenda had a life filled with love and family. She enjoyed cooking and baking (especially sweets), celebrating every holiday, listening to music/dancing, and spoiling her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She lived to age 71 and her final moments were spent peacefully in her daughter’s home where she was surrounded by family.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Dr. James “Bubba” and Bessie Mae Cyrus; grandparents James and Ruby Cyrus; aunts and uncles: Iever, Artice, Oreda, Blondine, Joan, Ray, Willie and Johnnie; cousins: Sabrina and Eric; sisters Patrinella, and Ava; and late husband Paul Bartley.

She leaves to mourn her earthly departure two children, Janiene (Jason) and Phillip (Kourtney); sister, Anita; 3 grandchildren Jaya, Janise and Micah, aunt Lilian, cousins Michael (Phyllis), Dwain (Lilly), Bridget, Ruby (Alerman), Joan, Dale, Leonard, Jennifer, Juanne, Joan, Jenious, John, and Debra; cherished nieces and nephews: Nicole, Courtney, Jaxyn, Janet, Jacob, Kennedy, J’Dron, Derrick, Kaci, Christopher, Cyrian, Carla, Tat, DJ, La’Deja, Bryson, Eurydice, Grace, Christian, Bernatrice, Jaden, Taylor, Asia, Yancey, Shawna, Brandon; mother-in-law Bernice; sisters-in-law Priscilla, Maureen, Vanessa; brothers-in-law Thad and Nolan, as well as several close friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org

A viewing for Brenda will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Bartley family.