Brenda Kay Burgess

Brenda Kay Burgess, age 84, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 23, 2026, passing peacefully while surrounded by family. A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Brenda Kay lived her life as a reflection of Christ; pouring kindness, love and grace into everyone she met. She was born on September 23, 1941 in Blackfork, OH, the daughter of Burgess and Avonell (Hollback) Tope.

Brenda devoted more than 49 years to shaping young minds and hearts in the classrooms at New Carlisle-Bethel and Fairborn City Schools—a legacy measured not just in years, but in the countless students who carried her influence forward into their own lives. She had a special way of making everyone feel valued. The impact of her years as an educator followed her wherever she went. She never met a stranger, only friends she had yet to make.

Beyond the classroom walls, Brenda's heart extended to the vulnerable. Through her work with Angel Animal Rescue, she became an advocate for dogs in need, giving them safety and a second chance at being loved. Her hands were always busy doing for others, and her smile was the kind that made people feel like they mattered—because to Brenda, they truly did. Her life was a beautiful testament to devotion, strength and compassion, leaving an impact that will never be forgotten.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Donald Burgess; sister, Norma Carter and her brothers, Earl Tope and Henry B. Tope Jr.

Brenda is survived by her children, Todd (Cherie) Mayes, Chad (Jo) Mayes, Sharon Huston (the late Terry Huston), Theresa (Eric) Salzer; grandchildren: Kaylee (Will) Nowak, Matt (Mollie) Addis, Madison Mayes, Kelsey (Amadeus) Long, Austin (Taylor) Salzer, Tabby (Jake) Fry, Chad (Kelly) Salzer, Reid Salzer; many cherished great-grandchildren and other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be 1 PM-2 PM on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Breitenbach-Anderson Funeral Home, 517 South Sutphin Street, Middletown, OH 45044. A Memorial Service will follow at 2 PM with Pastor Brian Morris officiating. A committal service for the family will take place in Oak Hill, Ohio at a later date.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers at Brookdale Assisted Living in Kettering, as well as the Hospice Affinity Care of Ohio team for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a memorial contribution in Brenda's memory to Hospice Affinity Care of Ohio, https://affinityhealthmanagement.com/, 9349 Waterstone Blvd Ste 340 Cincinnati, OH 45249.

You may visit www.breitenbach-anderson.com to leave online condolences for the family.