Brenda Faye Gerard was born on September 9, 1959, to James Carrol and Everine C. Gerard, the fifth of six children in Houston, Texas. She attended Clinton Park Elementary and Furr Jr. – Sr. High School, where she excelled in her studies.
In earlier years, Brenda was known as “BI”, and as she matured, family and friends lovingly called her “Aunt B”, or “B”. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoring of Dr. W. R. Fuller.
In 1976, Brenda married John Beverly, and to this union Kimberly Anntoinette was born. “Kim Baby” was the joy of her life and was the first grandchild to both the Beverly and Gerard families. Although the union did not last, they both actively participated in the raising of their child and remained good friends. The bond between the Beverly and Gerard family remains strong to this day.
In 1986, to the delight of many, Brenda and Redell gave birth to a big strapping baby boy, Neiman Derell Owens. He was given the nickname “Tank” because of his size. He and his cousin Brittany were close and practically raised as twins.
Brenda was smart and industrious and worked a couple of jobs before she began her 35-year career in the trucking industry. She worked for over 20 years with M.B. Trucking, owned by her cousin, Melvin Baldwin, who taught her everything about the industry. After Melvin’s death, Brenda became a self-employed Logistics Broker in the trucking business working with several trucking companies, including BNT Transportation, owned by her cousin, Bobby Teamer. Throughout her career, she had numerous contacts and alliances with Port of Houston personnel, trucking businesses, and many truckers. Her expertise and attention to details of the business aided in their compliance of logistics, driver safety, and security.
B was a beautiful, giving individual with an outgoing personality that attracted many people. She was always mild mannered, thoughtful, generous, humorous, kind, appreciative, and had one of the biggest hearts. Aunt B was honest and upfront, always speaking her truth! She was a great cook and entertainer who continuously seemed to run late with having the food ready; however, it was always well worth the wait! She was known throughout Clinton Park as a person who had a genuine concern for everyone in the community and tried to ensure the well-being of all.
Aunt B had a deep commitment and love for her family. She was a wonderful mother, sister, aunt and friend. Everyone loved to congregate at her home for the warmth that she shared and her good soulful cooking!
On Saturday, May 16, 2020, Brenda reaped her eternal reward, as she transitioned to be with the Lord.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, James and Everine Gerard, brother James Jr. (Papa) and nephew Richard Gerard.
Brenda is survived by her devoted and loving children Kimberly and Neiman (Alexandria), sisters - Carol Payne (Ezell), Sharon Gerard, and Sonya Guidry (Harold); brothers - Robert Gerard (Bridgette), Mack Lee, Darrell Boyd; sister-in-law – Gwendolyn Gerard; nieces and nephews – Derrick, Shae’ron, Joseph Jr. (Chie), Shavaun (Paul), Robert Jr.(Natasha), James (Akilah), Brittany (Willis), Jasmine, Paul, Jamesson; great nieces and nephews - Jayden, Nadia, James Jr. (JJ), Jade, Winter, Colin, Jaylah, Baylee, Raegan, and Kamryn; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
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