We are very sorry for your loss. It was a true pleasure meeting Brenda and we know she will be missed. 

With sympathy,
Cheryl and Cleve Baker

Graham Family, 

We are heartbroken to hear of Brenda's passing. Brenda was such a kind, positive soul, who always brought a smile to our faces. I know she touched many lives and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

With deepest sympathy, 
Bailey and Andrew

Jimmy, I am saddened greatly by your loss, but rejoicing that Brenda knew Jesus and helped so many others with the time she was here. I first had the pleasure of meeting you when I graduated CC in 1987. And then when we met again on the Clown cruise gosh I’m getting old myself. I can’t remember if we saw each other again in Baraboo more recently. My prayers are with you and your family. Know that you all are loved.

Jimmy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Brenda will be remembered for the love, warmth, and kindness she shared with those around her. I hope you find some comfort in the cherished memories you made together and in knowing how deeply she was loved.

If there’s anything at all I can do, please reach out.  

With deepest sympathy,
Kellie, Brett & Raegan

I first met Brenda and Jimmy in Los Angeles soon after they had moved there and joined our circus crowd. One day, we all went to see the Moscow Circus that was in town. That was the first time I had met them both. Oh, we were awed by the Flying Cranes----a very unique flying act! Afterward,  we all crammed into one car and went to eat. There were so many in that car, it reminded me of the Clown Car number on the circus we all had worked for---Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus....clowns all! Brenda will be missed.....see ya down the road.

Brenda was one of the most Loving people and clowns on earth! The memories I have of our visits are Golden and she supported me at times that furthered my Spiritual growth and work! I’m forever grateful 😇🙏🏾

I met Brenda Rader when she joined us  as a new clown on the Blue Unit of Ringling bros. and Barnum &Bailey Circus.  Her warmth and southern charm were infectious. The best thing was that she was the fiancé of my dear friend Jimmy Graham.  They were a truly loving couple. Jimmy seemed to be the happiest man on the show. After they Married and left the show, Brenda became Pregnant with TRIPLETS!  Her pregnancy was difficult and she spent much of it in bed. When those three beautiful , precious girls were born, I became an uncle three times over. It was amazing. I know that Jimmy and Brenda went through some difficult times in the early days. Working very hard,  chasing gigs and raising three beautiful young ladies, now accomplished women. About a month ago,  I spent a wonderful evening, laughing and telling jackpots (circus stories), for hours.  As they left she gifted me a trademark Brenda  hug and that lovely cackle laugh. I will miss that laugh and that lovely, silly woman. My life is richer and better because I knew her. Rest in peace my dear Brenda.

A wonderful wife, amazing mom and a friend to all who met her.  Brenda Graham was a VERY bright light and we are so thankful that our paths rode on the same rails all these years.  Her laugh and wicked sense of humor will always be cherished, as will her generous spirit.  We know it will seem like no time at all-that we will board the train that takes US to OUR final destination…..we will look ahead as the train slows and we’ll see her.  Brenda will have welcome gifts, baskets of food (with a few coupons for more) and will  shout welcoming words to us. 
  Until then, Brenda, you have us all watching over the beautiful young souls-that are your daughters-and over your best friend/
true love/father of your beloved triplets, too.  We know the GUY that loves us all-had already written in the stars above the station as you arrived: “VERY well done, my good and faithful servant!”  We look forward to meeting again at that same station. Until then, Rest In Peace, Brenda Graham and know that you are leaving this world and all of us forever changed for the better. 

Tammy, Tommy and Amelia Parish

How can one possibly encapsulate Miss Brenda. I think I was 5 when I first met her and her family. 
Growing up, she and my mom would call each other with the latest coupon deals or trade coupons for what the other needed. 
Brenda always had the biggest heart for my grandma after she and her mother Iris became friends. I remember being out of town when my grandma fell and Brenda was the first to call and tell us not to worry, she and Jimmy were with her. 
She always welcomed me and my family, no matter what stage of life we were in. 
She was the hands of Jesus, from fostering kittens to doing our dishes when we were overwhelmed. 
She was always involved. Whether it was as Mrs Claus with Jimmy or VBS skits at her church. 
Her washboard and book of jokes at the leftover party. 
She was laughter. She was joy. She was hospitality. 
Miss Brenda, I don’t know if you knew how much I looked up to you. I’m grateful for the friendship with your daughters. But I always hope I’ll grow up to be a woman of God like you.

Brenda has always been a loving and bright spot in my life. She was there the moment I got the phone call that made me a mom.   

I will always treasure the memories of the leftover parties with their joy and laughter. And I will always think of her with kindness and I think she had  “no eye deer” how much she will be missed. 

The world lost a bit of sunshine but heaven gained an angel. My deepest condolences to Jimmy, Holly, Millie and Candy and those they love. With our deepest love, Tisza, Mel, Eleanora and Daniel.

OBITUARY

Brenda Rader Graham

June 25, 1951 – November 6, 2025

Draper Mortuary

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