Brenda Joyce (Carter) Reed

Brenda Joyce (Carter) Reed passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, surrounded by the love of her daughters and granddaughters. The eldest daughter of the late Mrs. Lenee "Geneva" Wesley, she was born on June 28, 1956, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. James Baptist Church in Gethsemane, Arkansas. Her love for the Lord was the cornerstone of her life, and she dedicated herself to raising her children with that same unwavering foundation.

Brenda was educated in the Altheimer school system and attended Altheimer High School. Though she spent many years as a homemaker, Brenda entered the workforce once her children were school-aged. She poured her heart into her roles—first as a cook, then in childcare, and later concluding her career with over a decade of service at Tyson Foods. Known for her dedication and warmth, Brenda continued working until health challenges prompted her retirement.

After bravely facing her health challenges, Brenda relocated to Texas to be cared for by her daughters. Naturally, most of her other children followed. There she became a member of New Faith Church under the direction of her brother, Elder Eddie G. Carter.

At a tender age, Brenda had a nurturing spirit. She played a vital role in raising some of her siblings, her children, and even some of her grandchildren, always putting family first and enabling her children to pursue their dreams. As a testament to her love, she became the legal guardian of her granddaughter, Taylor.

Cooking was her love language. She was always cooking and feeding any and everyone. She was a true renaissance woman! She could paint the house, fix a car that wouldn’t start, change the tires, wash and style all six of her daughters' hair, and still have dinner ready by 5:30.

Brenda was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment spent with them. She especially loved her role as a grandmother where she found immeasurable joy.

She loved baking, singing—often off-key but always with enthusiasm, reading her Bible, and spending precious time with family. She loved chatting with friends and passionately supported the Golden State Warriors. She was often found coaching from her couch during game nights. She was a prayer warrior, a confidant, a great friend, an amazing mother, and the best grandmother.

Her mother, Lenee Wesley, and her brothers, Rosevelt and Levertis Woolfolk, preceded her in death. She leaves to celebrate her victory: 9 children, Mark Gridley (Annie), Teresa Henry, Veronica Reed-Hamilton, Shantell Evans (Kenny), Lanita Reed, Lavell Reed (Jana), Tori Reed, Brandon Reed, and Tanisha Addison (Jarome); 25 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters; 6 brothers; and a host of nieces and nephews.

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