Brenda N. Pickens

NEWPORT NEWS - On Thursday morning, Aug. 28, 2008, Brenda Nola Pickens, one of the Lord's earthly angels, went home and assumed her position in heaven after a brief illness.
She was born on Oct. 19, 1949, in Port Chester, N.Y., to Russell and Dorothy Tyler. Educated in public schools in Beacon, N.Y., she graduated from Beacon High School in 1967 and became employed by IBM, East Fishkill as a Secretary. In 1970, she married her childhood sweetheart, Edward "Butch" Pickens. They moved to Hampton, Va., in 1971 and ultimately settled in Newport News, Va. There she was employed by Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, as an Administrative Assistant and remained there for thirty years, finally retiring in October 2002 to become the primary caretaker to her ailing mother.
In 1989, Brenda and her family became members of Trinity Baptist Church and her light began to shine brighter and brighter. She grew in spirit and was ordained as a Deacon in September 2000. She also served as an Usher, Missionary, Assistant Church Clerk and was Past President of the Women on the Move for Christ, a Women's Ministry serving the church and the community. Brenda loved the Lord and praised him to the fullest. She would raise her voice in praise whenever and wherever the opportunity presented itself. Her loving smile, her laughter and her willingness to help and serve will be sorely missed.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Russell Tyler; brother, Ernest Tyler; and grandparents, Brack and Hattie Anderson. Brenda's mother, Dorothy Tyler, was also called to assume her position in Heaven on Sept. 2, 2008.
Brenda is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Edward; two sons, Jason and Eric; sister, Rosalind Tyler of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; brothers, Joseph Tyler (Patricia) of Charlotte, N.C.; her dearest friend of 50 years, Phyllis Hicks of Bowie, Md.; uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and friends, too numerous to name.
A homegoing celebration will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at Trinity Baptist Church, 2900 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, Va. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be made in the form of contributions to Trinity Baptist Church. Arrangements are by O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.