Brenda was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 23, 1959 to the union of Ham-ilton (Sr.) and Oryelee Key. She started life out in a spectacular fashion by in-sisting on being born two months early in the rear seat of a Yellow taxi cab.
Brenda graduated from Lane Technical College Prep High School with Honors in Chicago, Ill. The commitment to educational excellence, which engulfed her parents as well as Brenda herself, was rewarded by her being selected as one of a hand full of young African American women to integrate Lane Tech College Prep High School on the Chicago’s north side. She attended the University of Chicago, Jackson Community College and Spring Arbor University where she earned an Associated Degree in Business, Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’ De-gree in Human Services. She went on to earn a Certification as a Paralegal, Trauma Counselor and Non-Violent Intervention Techniques. Although con-stantly plagued with health issues, Brenda grew to be a beautiful young woman, an excellent student, a quick study of almost any subject she attempted. She was employed in various fields in which her academic endeavors proved invaluable.
Brenda proclaimed her tried and proven unwavering faith in God at an early age. Hungrily she devoured every opportunity to demonstrate her commit-ment to being a foot soldier of Christ, always ready to be in the service of oth-ers despite any personal cost to her own needs and comfort. Disguising her constant pain from the disease destined to rob her of her life but not her faith. She preached the gospel of salvation to doctors, patients and family alike. Her final request was that ‘her life means something, a life lived and left with meaning.
Never married and without a birth child, she dedicated herself to her aging parents, Hamilton (Sr) and Oryelee Key who preceded her in death.
Brenda was survived by her Sister Bonnie Wheeler-McElroy (Johnny McElroy), Brother Hamilton Key Jr. (Lula Key) and a host of aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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