BRENDA M. BROWN

Brenda Mickens Brown departed this earthly life on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, at McLeod Health Hospice Care in Florence, after a brief illness.

Brenda was born on Aug. 5, 1946, to the late Charlie and Albertha Jackson Mickens. She was the widow of Ronald E. Brown. Brenda was educated in Sumter County public schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1964. At an early age, Brenda gave her life to Christ, was baptized and became a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Dalzell, where she served in many capacities during her lifetime. Brenda was also a faithful member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church in Fort Pierce, Florida. Brenda furthered her education at Claflin University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's in Education from South Carolina State University. She did additional studies at Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, and the University of South Dakota. Brenda was an educator for 40 years in the areas of special education and adult education. She was a teacher of the year in the Sioux City, Iowa, School District. She retired from the Saint Lucie School District, St. Lucie, Florida. Brenda was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the NAACP.

Brenda leaves to cherish everlasting memories with her loving and devoted twin sister, Sandra Mickens Shaw of Sumter; a sister, Frances Gusta Jackson of Sumter; two supportive nephews, Stacey T. Shaw Sr. and Sherard T. Shaw, both of Sumter; a loving niece, Dr. Astrid Mickens (James) Williams of Highland, California; caring great-nephews, Stacey Tirrell Shaw II and William Tirrell Shaw of Sumter, Jalen Mickens Carpenter, Chase Williams and Beckham Williams of Highland; an uncle, Robert Mickens of Lake City; aunts, Georgianna Spann of Brooklyn, New York, Evelyn Laboo of Jersey City, New Jersey, and Ella Colclough of Sumter; a sister-in-law, Margaret Brown Mickens of Highland; special cousins, Earnestine Goodman Smith of Orange, New Jersey, and Dr. Estelle Bolden Riddick of Somerset, New Jersey; a supportive niece-in-law, Camille Williams Shaw of Sumter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Brenda was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Mickens.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Mrs. Brown will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Monday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, 4620 Queen Chapel Road, Dalzell, with the Rev. Carnell Hampton officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.