Mrs. Brenda Gayle Jackson Williams' Obituary
Brenda Gayle Jackson Williams, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 3, 2024, at the age of 83. Brenda was born on December 2, 1940, to Henry Jackson Jr. and Beverly LaMotte Jackson in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she was raised with her three sisters: Carol Joyce Jackson Sellers, Freida Marilyn Jackson Comager, and Jonetta Raymonda Jackson Paul.
Brenda's love for reading and literature was evident from a young age, laying a foundation for a life dedicated to education and community service. She graduated from Southern Lab High School in 1958 and continued her studies at Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Therapy in 1962. Her passion for learning and heart for those with special needs led her to further her education, receiving a Master's of Education in 1988 in Special Education/Urban & Ethnic Communication Disorders.
On June 12, 1965, Brenda married Robert Lee Williams Jr., and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and service. Their union was blessed with two children: Robert (Bobby) Lee Williams III and Melanie D'Layne Williams, who brought immense joy and fulfillment to their lives.
A lifelong Catholic, Brenda was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA until she relocated to Houston, Texas to be close to her daughter, Melanie. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her.
Brenda's professional journey was marked by dedication and compassion. She began her career as a speech and hearing therapist in New Orleans, Louisiana, before moving to the school system in West Baton Rouge Parish at Lukeville Elementary. Over 36 years, Brenda touched countless lives through her work, retiring in 1998 with a legacy of service and commitment.
In November 1995, Brenda was initiated into The Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she found camaraderie and shared values of sisterhood, scholarship, and public service.
Those who knew Brenda best would describe her as a devoted mother and wife, dedicated to serving her community and a devout Christian who always had a word to move your spirit. She warmed many souls around her dining room table through her amazing cooking skills and through her love of literature and reading, she was always able to sprinkle in a quote or two to add color and spice to her expressions. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Jackson Jr. and Beverly LaMotte Jackson, her beloved son Robert Lee Williams III, and her sister Jonetta Raymonda Jackson Paul. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Lee Williams Jr., and her daughter, Melanie D'Layne Williams of Houston, TX. She is also survived by her two sisters, Carol Jackson Sellers of Pomona, CA, and Frieda Jackson Comager of Baton Rouge, LA, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will cherish her memory.
Brenda's legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the light she brought into the world.
Funeral services will be held at Mabrie Memorial Mortuary on August 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Brenda's name to Society of St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge to honor her commitment to her community and to service.
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