Today, we celebrate the life of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend, Brenda J.Smith.
Born July 16, 1941 in Cleveland, OH to Thomas and Anne Greene, Brenda was the oldest of four children and attended Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She committed her life to the service of Christ at an early age, joining the East Mount Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor William M. Downs, and remaining a faithful servant until being called home to be with her Lord. Brenda loved her church and served on the Usher Board and several other committees. She was so very proud to be Co-Chair of The Women’s Day Celebration honoring the women at her church.
To the union of a previous marriage, Velena and Rodney Sharp were born. Consequently, and while attending an event with her girlfriends, she met her soulmate, Gary A.Smith. Brenda accepted Gary’s hand in marriage on October 31, 1964 and to this union Victor and baby Kyle were welcomed to the family. Enjoying 59 years of marriage, one could often hear Gary affectionately calling Brenda his “Boo”.
After being employed by the United States Post Office and Electroline Manufacturing, Brenda retired from the Department of Defense after 25 years of service. Because of her love of children, Brenda rejoined the workforce where she quickly became a favorite at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District because of the calming effect that she had on children. Of course, this had nothing to do with that little bag of candy that she kept tucked away in her desk drawer.
In 1998, Brenda wanted to finish what she had started. She returned to night school four nights a week and earned her high school diploma after 40 years! Admittedly, she was challenged by the younger students but let them know that they would not run her out. She soon became their beacon encouraging them to get their diploma as well. Her accomplishments were captured in the Bedford Sun Banner Newspaper, where she was quoted as saying that it was “‘worth the wait”.
A longtime member of the Red Hat Society, Brenda enjoyed travel, fun and fellowship with her fellow “hatters” and was bestowed the title of Queen, which she proudly wore. Affectionately called Auntie BeBe, Brenda loved her family unconditionally, and everybody knew that “Vee Moopy Kyle” was just one person! Never forgetting a special occasion, she would always remember birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays with a thoughtful card or gift. The Bid Whist Queen would often be found teaching the youngsters a thing or two about what not to do when playing against her. The ultimate fashionista, Brenda will be remembered to adorn beautiful hats, enhanced by that striking smile.
Despite being in a battle for her life, she remained a soldier for Christ, never wavering in her faith. The trumpets sound on September 27, 2023 and Brenda left this earth peacefully for her eternal home in heaven. Brenda wore her crown proudly.
Leaving to cherish fond memories are her loving husband Gary Smith. Her daughter, Velena Sharp (Edward), Cleveland, Ohio. Sons, Rodney Sharp (Carole), Rialto, California, Victor Orr, Detroit, Michigan and Kyle Smith, Atlanta, Georgia. Six grandchildren, Steven and Randall Brannon, Jeremy Orr, Tarik Sharp, Nikyia Sharp, Esq., and Avery Eursher. Four great grandchildren, Karma, Tarik, and Elijah Sharp, Rue Eursher and bonus great granddaughter, Tyler Bloom. Two brothers, Cedric Greene (Mary), Thomas A.Greene, III (Surrina) and one sister Marylyn Greene-Powell, (Joseph). Two Brother-in-law’s, Pharoah Smith (Mydell) and Cary Smith, (Anne). She also leaves to mourn her passing a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special “Sister Girlfriends”. She is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Anne Greene and her great grandson, Na’im Sharp in welcoming her home.
God has spoken, let the church say Amen!