Ms. Brenda Burton

In Loving Memory Of; Brenda Marie Burton Brenda Marie Burton was born on April 3, 1950 in Washington, DC, to the late Thelma and Richard Washington Sr. She was the fourth of six children, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Jr. and Nathaniel Washington and sister Dianne Frye. Brenda was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System. She participated on the Varsity cheerleading team and graduated from Burdick Vocational High School in 1967. After high school Brenda began her career with the United States Department of Interior in DC. She decided to explore new opportunities and relocated to Detroit, MI in 1973. Her Aunt Joan Harlan welcomed Brenda and her son, Jemile Green with open arms into her home. Brenda transferred to a new position with United States Customs and Border Protection and after 36 years of dedicated service Brenda retired. Brenda joined Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Washington DC at an early age, and then in Detroit she joined Palestine Missionary Baptist Church. She later joined Bethany Baptist Church in Detroit in the early eighties where she remained. Brenda was a faithful servant at Bethany and involved in many ministries. She was a member of the Women's Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Scholarship Ministry, Clothing Ministry and the Bethany Quilters. She was involved in the Women’s Bible Study and Black History Programs. Brenda was a Sunday school teacher and she founded the Bethany Reading Club. Brenda was a special organizer for the Women of Bethany for the Breast Cancer Walk. Through the Women's Ministry, she raised thousands of dollars for the organization Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Her interest of fighting against breast cancer has inspired Sister Robin Jones to create the Brenda Burton Warriors Foundation for Breast Cancer. This foundation will help spread awareness of breast cancer and help find the cure. Brenda married the love of her life, the late Frank Edward Burton (Dough Belly aka Big Daddy), on June 3, 1978, and from their union a son was born Cornelius Bernard Burton Sr. (Bernie). They shared their love for over forty years. They were the epitome of loving each other “for better or worse” and “in sickness and health.” Their home was regularly filled with family and friends. Frank and Brenda loved to travel, as they would often vacation with their life-long friends Elisha (Eli) and Gennise (Neicy) Lawler. Brenda had many hobbies; sewing, quilting and reading. As a collector of African art and sculpture she beautifully decorated her home. She participated in many organizations: Chase Branch Library Friends Association, AARP, Neighborhood Association, Oakland Village Civic Association, Voters Registration and Boy Scouts of America. Brenda had a passion for helping the youth of Detroit and without question she always involved her children and grandchildren in various crafts, activities and Vacation Bible School. She was always willing to help others, opening her heart and her home to anyone in need. Jessika and Javone Tarter and Raymond Martin (Ray Ray) were very special children in Brenda’s life.

Ms. Brenda Burton

April 3, 1950 - September 11, 2019