Our Father has called another one of His faithful soldiers home to be with Him and rest. Today, we celebrate life and honor the memory of Brenda Louise Bennett, affectionately known as "Ma Brenda."

Brenda was born in Harlem, New York, but spent her childhood in Harlem and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was educated in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. She moved back to New York during her teenage years but later returned and settled in Winston-Salem.

Brenda was known for being full of spirit, lively, bold in personality, a ball of energy, always staying busy and moving swiftly. All of which made her the life of the party, but she wouldn't hesitate to speak her mind...in a loving way. She was a true nurturer and often opened her home to family and friends in their need. Brenda was loving and always willing to help others; whenever anyone needed a babysitter, she didn't mind watching their children.

Brenda was employed by Micofibers as a front office secretary for 10+ years. Wells Fargo also employed her for eight years until her retirement. Although she was retired, she still loved to work. For many years, Brenda worked for Beasley Funeral Home Services in Winston-Salem, N.C. Alongside her late husband Jerry, they owned and operated their cleaning service, known as "J&B Cleaning Services," where they employed family, friends and less fortunate people.

Brenda had a few hobbies: traveling with her late husband, family and friends for vacations, dancing, and sitting on the porch listening to music. Every time she heard a song, it was guaranteed that she would start singing and dancing. Brenda loved fried chicken, Pepsi and a fresh cup of coffee. She enjoyed entertaining visitors at her home, offering them food, snacks or a cup of coffee. Brenda enjoyed reading the Bible, watching TV and spending time with her grandsons. She took pride in her home and community at Emmanuel Retirement Village; whenever someone took her home, she would say, "Here I come house."

Brenda loved the Lord and was a faithful servant. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 23. She accepted Christ and was a member of Diggs Memorial United Holy Church for thirteen years under the leadership of Elder Jerry W. Powell. Brenda served the Lord at Diggs by singing in the Mass and Gospel Choirs, leading the Devotional Team, being a member of the Women's Ministry and serving as a Deaconess. For the past ten years, she has been a faithful member of Messiah Community Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Frank T. Robinson, Jr. There, she continued her Christian walk, serving in the Usher's Ministry, faithfully participating with the Women's Ministry and assisting the Hospitality Ministry as needed. On any given Sunday, she was known for affirming her pastor during his preaching by standing up and saying, "That's right, Pastor!"

Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 36 years, Jerry Bennett, her mother, Charlene Peoples Boyd and her father, Mose Boyd.

She leaves to cherish loving memories her daughters, Talisha"Wanky" Crawford and Betty Crawford, both of Winston-Salem, NC; sisters: Eleanor (Reginald) Johnson and Ureta (Cleveland) Miller, both of Winston-Salem, NC, Margaret Jenkins of Queens, NY, Janie Boyd of New York, NY and Ruthie (Arthur) Luster of Miami Gardens, FL; brothers, Robert (Miriam) Boyd of Chesapeake, VA and Lurrie (Cleo) Boyd of Bronx, NY; and a host of other loving in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, friends and one goddaughter, Michelle Hughes. Our family and friends will miss Brenda tremendously.


Her life will be celebrated 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Roberts Funeral Service Chapel (Winston-Salem) with family visitation at 12:30 prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Gur Cemetery in Kernersville, NC. Public viewing will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home.