Dr. Brenda Lynn Richmond

Obituary

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 5:16 

Dr. Brenda Lynn Richmond was born on May 6, 1950 to the late Lydia Vernell Richmond Davis and Willie Pennix in Caswell County, Mebane, North Carolina. Brenda passed from time to eternal life on Thursday, April 23, 2020; fourteen days prior to her 70th birthday.

Brenda received her early education in the Caswell County and Guildford County Public School Systems.  She graduated from Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC.

Brenda attended A&T University in Greensboro, NC studying Business Administration and English.  In search for a better life for her and her beloved son, Donnie (JoJo), she relocated 

to Philadelphia, PA in 1973. Brenda worked hard and continued to pursue her education.  She attended Antioch University where in 1984 she received a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services/ Counseling and in 1986 a Master of Arts in Education.Additionally, she received certificates in Elementary/Secondary School Counseling. Brenda had a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to higher education.  She culminated her educational pursuits receiving her Doctoral Degree from Geneva College.

Brenda began her professional career at Geico (Government Employees Insurance Company).

She was later employed as a Recruiter/Admissions Officer at Antioch University, Brenda was always interested in serving the youth in Philadelphia and providing services to make a difference in their lives, Brenda directed a delinquency prevention program at the Dixon House Community Center. She was also Center Director at Diversified Community Services/Life Skills Center and Director of Christian Education at Berean Baptist Church.  At this program, she directed a city-funded mentoring/after school program for young males. Brenda held several positions with the School District of Philadelphia. At the time of her passing, she held the position of Counselor at the McKinley Elementary School.  McKinley staff, student body and parents will sorely miss her.  She was loved by the McKinley School.

Brenda accepted Christ at an early age. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, she joined the New Psalmist Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late, Reverend Charles Walker, Jr. Brenda was a dedicated member of this ministry.  She diligently served on the Board of Trustees, Church Financial Secretary and lifted her melodious voice as a member of the Charles Walker Jr. Ensemble and the New Psalmist Specials.  It was at New Psalmist that Brenda bonded and made lifelong friends…a sisterhood, her surrogate family. Oftentimes when getting together with them, they would still break out into a song with Brenda leading…He’s All I Need. Jesus is All I Need.

Brenda later joined the Berean Baptist Church and the Redeemed Baptist Church where she continued to work to serve the Lord.

Brenda sang for many years with the Voices of Fellowship, a renowned Gospel Singing group in Philadelphia and the Tri-State Area.  She was known for her beautiful voice, her vibrant personality and her sassy style.  Brenda was loved by many.  Her individual friends became mutual friends.  Brenda was the life of every party. She lived life to the fullest.

With all her accomplishments, by far her greatest was her son Donnie and his family.  She beamed when she spoke of her grandchildren.  She never hesitated to hit the road and to make her way to Maryland to spend time with Summer and Seba. She “loved” her grandchildren and her family.  Brenda was a devoted and caring daughter to her father, Willie.

Brenda was a genuine gift to her family and was loved by them. She was the oldest cousin who made sure everyone felt special. Family gatherings were never complete without her leading a song and delegating who would say the prayer and read a scripture.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memories: her father, Willie Pennix; one son, Donnie Joe Richmond, one daughter-in-law, Menchu; two grandchildren, Summer and Sabastian; one brother, James Donnell Brittian; one sister, Ursala Graves;aunts, Myrtle Richmond, Hazel Richmond, Bessie Clemons, Queen Caudle, Fannie Lea, Josephine Poole; uncles: Sylvester Hester, Walter Pennix, William Pennix, Larry Pennix; one niece Tiffany Brittian; one nephew Rodney Brittian; three great nieces; five great nephews; three great-great nieces; one great-great nephew; three goddaughters, Makaila and Arianna Allenand Thais Shubert; a host of cousins, friends and colleagues.  

Brenda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Giles, Sr. & Mary Richmond, Charlie & Ious Pennix; her mother, Pastor Lydia V. Richmond Davis; aunts, Dorothy Cummings, Hortense Hester, Myrtle Mackey and; uncles, Lacy, Giles Jr., James, Clarence and Fred Richmond; cousins, Phillip Cummings and Rodney Hester. 

God saw the road was getting rough

the hills too hard to climb,

he gently closed her loving eyes,

and whispered, “Peace Be Thine.”

The weary hours, the days of pain,

the sleepless nights have passed,

her ever-patient worn out frame,

has found sweet peace at last.

Lovingly Submitted by

The Family

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