"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."  2 Tim 4:7-8 NKJV

For his own purpose and according to the Masters' plan, God reached down into our Family's Garden to add a beautiful, obedient, loving blossom to his bouquet.  On July 15, 2021, Deacon Brenda Delores Johnson took the flight into the Kingdom of Heaven at the home of her granddaughter, Quiana.

Deacon Brenda was born on August 13, 1948 in Caroline County, Virginia to the late Moses and Pearl Ruth (Smith) Foxx. She was the 16 ^th child born of eighteen children.  Brenda was baptized at an early age and was a member of Beth'el Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Virginia during her childhood years.  She attended Caroline County Public School and was employed as a Deli Manager for Safeway and Asst. Store Manager for Food Lion, Inc. for over 30 years until retirement in 2011.

Deacon Brenda was united in marriage to the late Clyde F. Johnson, Jr. of Bowling Green, Virginia.  To this union three children were born.  Later in their marriage, the family joined Zion Grove Baptist Church under the late Reverend Samuel H. Carter.

Deacon Brenda was ordained as a Deacon on September 18, 2016.   She held several offices including Missionary President, Vacation Bible School and Evening Bible Study Superintendent, Area Circle K- Missionary Group, and Chairman of the Deacon Board.

She loved her church dearly and fully supported it during the COVID -19 pandemic. She attended the morning and evening Bible Studies, Sunday School and Church services, conducted her committee meetings, and attended the Welcome Lodge #125 Community Prayer Group up until the day she transitioned.

Brenda's life would seem too short to many, but for those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds quantity of time in which you live it.  Her gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around her. She was a very special person because she was loving, giving, sassy, elegant, kind, sweet, and gracious.   She was beyond AMAZING and a Proverbs 31 woman.

Brenda was the matriarch of her family and best known as "Baby Doll", "Momma", "Mommie", "Sweet Cheeks", "Lucy Mae", "Sis, "Auntie", and "Deac. (Deke)". She loved to take care of everyone, especially her sisters and brothers, her friends, the church members and pastors, the community, and most of all her daughters and her grandchildren.  Brenda was an avid giver.  She was called the "treat" diva because she provided home baked goods and small gifts to the church and the pastors, bible study members, and all who was in her presence at the time she gave.

What made Brenda most happy was spending time with her family.  Her home was the meeting place for Sunday family dinners and for family who visited from out of town. Brenda's favorite place in the home was the kitchen.  Most of us know that Brenda was known for her sweet potato pies, coconut pies, and her famous pound cake recipe which no one could get the recipe right but her.  Asking for the recipe and writing it down was complicated.  She could never tell you how much of this-or-that to put in the mixture, only the ingredients.  Brenda had a heart of gold and possessed a spirit that drew people to her.  She will always be remembered as the person who can put a "smile" on your face, one that will offer an ear to listen, and will be remembered for being the best dressed Queen Diva!  Whatever she wore, everything had to match, down to the jewelry and shoes.  Just being in Brenda's presence made everyone feel welcome.  You never knew what she was going to say. She was the Queen of old clichés.

Deacon Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde F. Johnson, Jr.; one daughter, Belinda McCardell; her parents, Moses and Pearl Ruth (Smith) Foxx; eight brothers, Roy, James, Moses, Melvin, Clarence, Robert, Willie, Richard Foxx; seven sisters, Julia Hudson, Beatrice Gray, Pearl Fenwick, Dorothy Matthews, Alice Baylor, and Ethel Foxx; five brother in-laws and three sister in-laws.

Deacon Brenda leaves to cherish her many fond memories and joy to: two daughters, Bridgette Young (James Antoine) and Carla Johnson; eight grandchildren, Quiana Frye (Thomas), Shari Johnson (Jennifer),  Kaleysa  (Kassell) Johnson, Brittany Moffett, Davin Johnson, Eugene (Alex) McCardell, and Alayah Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Thomas Frye, Jr., Keyon Frye, Sikoya Johnson, Samir Johnson, and Xylan Johnson; two sisters, Ruth Deyo and Cachita (James) Myers; one brother, Alfred Foxx; two sister in-laws, Alice Hudson and Barbara Garnett (Raymond), two Goddaughters, Breta Myers and A'aliyah Abrams; a devoted niece, Ruth Edwards (Nathan); devoted best friends, Irene Young, Barbara Parker (Odell), Adell and Janice Southerland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday,  July 21, 2021 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday,  July 22, 2021 at Zion Grove Baptist Church, 9450 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, Virginia 22580.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Due to COVID-19 a mask or face covering is required is required.

Livestreaming will be available on C W Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.