Brenda Lee Key Mitchner “Brenda Key” passed away peacefully at William Childs Hospice House on March 18, 2018 in Palm Bay, Florida at the age of 61. Brenda was born in Statesboro, Georgia to Willie Davis Key and Leila Lee Key on September 21, 1956 by home birth. Her family relocated to Melbourne, Florida in June 1964, when she was 7 years old. Brenda was a member of PAL (Police Athletics League for 3 years and was excellent in sewing, crocheting, knitting, and global traveler. She graduated from Melbourne High School in 1974 and then married Cleveland Mitchner on December 28, 1974, they became parents of 3 surviving daughters; Octavia Kenya Mitchner (Melbourne, FL) and Tila Tawania (Tionne) Williams (Smiths Station, AL). Brenda and Cleveland separated and later divorced before daughter Monica Shuneek Burrell (Palm Bay, FL) was born whom she raised with Joel Best.
Brenda is survived by 8 grandchildren; Blu’ Grant, Nedeysca Leanner, Tyler Williams, Patrice Jackson, Uneek Mitchner, Tionne Williams Jr., Zanah Mitchner, and Muleek Rawlings. She also has 2 great grandsons: K’Nyledge Jackson and Zy’Mere Thomas. Brenda is preceded in death by both parents Willie and Leila Key, 2 brothers David and Alphonso Key and 1 sister Linda Faye Williams.
She will be saving a place in heaven for her surviving siblings Robert (Linda) Key (Melbourne, FL), Willie (Charlene) Key (Statesboro, GA), Robert (Pearl) Key (Casselberry, FL), Vance Key (Statesboro, GA), Levonia Narin (Smiths Station, AL), Geraldine Key (Lanham, MD), Avery (Mary) Key (Melbourne, FL), Walter (Dianne) Key (Gainesville, FL), Nursie (Moses) Thomas (Smiths Station, AL) and Anthony Key (Melbourne, FL). She also leaves behind 2 sister in laws Betty and Martha Key and 2 best friends Sheila (Fred) Farmer and Maxine McNeal along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and
friends.
Brenda enjoyed the game of darts and dominos. She was a mother-figure, aunt, or mentor to most. She made everyone she encountered feel like family. She always had a big smile, encouraging words, and was the epitome of class. She was a beautiful woman whom loved jewelry accessories and would always dress for the occasion. She was also one of the strongest women that you would ever meet.
There are a million and one things that I could say about Brenda and I know that there are a million and one hilarious stories that we all have to tell about her, but I just encourage that you remember all the great things about her and keep them close to your heart. She is one person that you will never forget, and we can all find solace in that. Celebrate her life. Don’t have sorrow because she had no regrets of life and she lived a great one.
The visitation will be held on Friday, March 23rd, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909. The celebration of life service will be held the next day at 2:00 pm in the funeral home's chapel.