Brenda Lee Bender Breland
Published 3:20 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Brenda Lee Bender Breland was born on July 24, 1951, in Picayune, Miss., to the late Johnnie Mae and Sandy Bender Sr. Preceding her in death were her parents Sandy and Johnnie Mae Bender; one sister, Melveree Billings; and two brothers, Andy and Donald Bender.
Brenda entered eternal rest on May 8, 2024, surrounded by her entire family. Brenda accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church in Picayune, Miss., under the leadership of the Rev. Jesse James. She was a faithful member of St. Matthew Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher.
Brenda worked at Southside Elementary for 29 1/2 years as a 5th grade teacher. She was a remarkable educator whose passion for teaching illuminated countless lives. Brenda dedicated her career to shaping young minds, instilling not just knowledge, but also values of kindness, resilience, and curiosity. She will be remembered not only for her academic contributions but also for her unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation. Her legacy will continue to live on through the countless students she mentored and inspired.
On Dec. 31, 1970, Larry and Brenda were united in holy matrimony in Picayune, Miss. To this union, three children were born.
Her memories will forever be cherished by her husband of 51 years, Larry Breland Sr.; her three children, Larry (Kisha) Breland Jr. of Baton Rouge, La., Larenda (Marcus) Franklin of Richland Miss., Lorenzo (Kayla) Breland of Picayune, Miss.; three grandchildren, Ethan, Madelyn, and Breland Franklin; three sisters, Linda Brooks of Muskegee, Mich., Alison Bowling (Richard) of Forestville, Md., Ann Thigpen of Chicago, Ill.; two brothers, Sandy Bender (Joan) Jr. of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ronald Bender of Picayune, Miss.; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Breland; one uncle, James Bender; four aunts, Dorothy Bender, Mary Helen Richardson, Georgia Bender, and Arlester Bender; and a host of nieces, nephew, family members and friends.
Family Hour will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, 2106 Walker Street. Picayune, Miss. Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ, 500 N. Beech Street, Picayune, Miss.,
Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Wiggins, Miss. Professional Services entrusted to Baylous Funeral Home.
