THURMAN, Brenda Liz
(Age 43)

Died unexpectedly on January 18, 2016. Brenda was born August 28, 1972, in New York. During her military career, she called many places home until she and her family settled in Spokane Valley.
She enlisted in the Army in 1995 and became a Military Police Officer. She was a patrol officer, Team Leader as well as a Desk sergeant. Some of the many schools she proudly attended and completed while on active duty, were the Special Reaction Team (SWAT) and Sniper School. She was the only female in her sniper class which was made up of all branches of service.
She met her husband Dwayne, who was also active duty military, while they served together on Johnston Island. Their 18th wedding anniversary will be February 14th.
After her service, Brenda earned a Master's Degree in Social Work and a degree in Business Administration at Eastern Washington University where she received the Frances B Medallion Award and was on the National Deans List as well as the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
She worked for Department of Social and Health Services for three years as a social worker and supervisor. During that time Brenda also volunteered as a court appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children. From 2007 to the present she was a Marriage and Family Therapist and did Readjustment Counseling at the Veterans Outreach Center in Spokane Valley, often acting as the Team Leader.
Brenda had a huge impact on many veterans' lives. She ran many groups and was very proud of her Vietnam Veteran group and starting the first ever female combat veterans retreat. Brenda was on the VA Cemetery Governance Committee and helped with the creation and location of the Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. This is just one of many affiliations she was involved with to help better lives in the Veteran community.
She lived an active lifestyle, running half and full marathons as well as Spartan races with her husband and friends.
She is survived by her husband Dwayne Thurman; her daughter Gabrielle Thurman; and sons Michael and Creighton Thurman; her granddaughter Tailaya Thurman; her mother Raquel Rodriguez; life-long friends Mike and Connie Stauffer; and numerous extended family members.
Services will be held at 1 pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Valley Assembly of God Church,15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley, WA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Jan. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Brenda THURMAN

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March 29, 2016

I know you are in Heaven. But I miss your voice, your words, your smile, your laugh, your encouragement, your strength, your beauty. You filled every space you were in with life, hope, and joy.

Jana Archuleta

March 8, 2016

I still miss you Brenda! I'm sitting here typing the minutes of our Cowgirls and Women Warriors Retreat meeting from January 15th with Shannon and Lou. That was the day I last saw you at the Veterans' Center. Your back was to me because you were deep in conversation with Veterans who were sitting in the conference room. I didn't want to interrupt you. I so wish now, I had interrupted your conversation and given you a big hug like I wanted to. You are and always will be an inspiration to me. Thanks for all your love and support. The Women Warrior retreats certainly won't be the same without you. You blessed so many women veterans there and at the Vet Center. May you rest in peace eternally with your creator. I'm sure you're doing amazing things for Him in Heaven. You are truly and Angel. All my love and prayers to your family.

January 31, 2016

Dwayne we offer our deepest condolences to you on the passing of Brenda your beautiful wife and soul mate. Our dear friend Brenda, the person who inspired us through her words, thoughts, wisdom, passion and zest for each moment of her life passed away, although she never truly leaves us. She is still alive in our hearts and through our fond memories. Heidi and I join countless friends with thoughts and prayers of comfort in helping you through this most difficult time. God Bless the Thurman Family, Steve and Heidi Holbert

John McGirk

January 27, 2016

My deepest sympathy to family and friends of Brenda's family. Your loss is also felt by me and her Tuesday morning Vietnam Nam psd group. Her warm smile and loving compassion and humor will be missed. In loving remembrance,

January 27, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Thurman family. We will all miss Brenda's bright smile,and always upbeat positive personality. She leaves behind a big hole in the Vet Center and will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Bruce Lombard

Ed Davis

January 27, 2016

You gave me hope and made Tuesday my favorite day of the week ... until we meet again.

Dave and Rema Witte

January 27, 2016

Our deepest condolences to Brenda's mother, family and friends. My wife always said she is our angel. There is a hole in my heart that will be slow to heal if ever. I met Brenda in 2007 and was her first client at the Vet Center she had such an impact on my life, and every person she met. she is and will be missed by all who knew her. May God Bless You Brenda.

Edgar Mantia

January 26, 2016

Goodbye Brenda, you will not be forgotten. From one of your Vietnam veterans. Edgar Karl Mantia

Pamela Martin

January 26, 2016

Prayers to all of the families loss from this wonderful person leaving us way to soon

Susan Deasy

January 26, 2016

Brenda, you will never be forgotten. I know you are still here in the love and kindness you bestowed on everyone around you. You had such a positive impact in my life and family. I will remember your words of encouragement and strength always. God bless your children and family.

Tom Evans

January 26, 2016

As one of the Vietnam Vets Brenda touched with her kind words, caring heart I can't imagine going into the Vet Ctr without seeing your smiling face. Always a good word and a funny story to make me laugh. In a word, you are, "Irreplaceable." Someone I will Always Remember...
I'm Glad we had that talk about the Lord because I know your With Him right now! I will see you again my friend.
Phil 1:21, 2 Cor 5:8

Dave & Deanna Johnson

January 25, 2016

My wife and I knew Brenda from the family therapy side as well as myself from a combat Vet being counseled.

Every time we saw Brenda she was so happy and exited to see us. The same greeting form each of our visits, "How are you guys, how have things been going". That will be forever in my mind, that greeting seered in my memory.
I was introduced to Brenda at a job fair shortly after I retired from the Army in 2008, never once did I see her in a bad mood, even if she wasn't feeling well. We were shocked when we heard the news because we were to have a visit with her soon, we will miss her very much and all other counsellors will be judged against her, it seems to me that she is going to be irreplaceable.

Dave and Deanna

Raina Ramsey

January 25, 2016

My heart is broken for your family. We are so sorry to hear of this loss. Brenda will be greatly missed by many.

January 25, 2016

Roger Vielle and Wendy Wegner give their deepest condolences." Brenda is one of my best friends, she always had a big smile and a hug for me whenever I would see her. I will be singing you a Blackfeet traveling song to take with you buddy. As I have said before, though you may be gone from this world you will always be in my present. In my heart."

Roger Vielle

Cindy Jayne

January 25, 2016

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Thurman family. Brenda started out as my counselor, but became my mentor, friend, and cohort in crime during many Veterans retreats. I will miss her dearly, but I will always keep her in my heart, and carry on her legacy as best I can. Please know that your Veteran family is always here for you. Much love, and many prayers.

Mark & Shannon Dotson

January 25, 2016

We are sending love and prayers to the Thurman Family. We are so sorry for your loss. We have known you for over 20 years and we are honored to have served in the Army with you and truly blessed to have called you our friend. You will always live in our hearts and continue to inspire us to live as you did, to the fullest.
The Dotson Family

Jack and Kelly Jo Kegerreis

January 25, 2016

Dear Thurman family, the Kegerreis family extends our deepest condolences to you and yours in this time of sorrow. Brenda touched so many lives, including our own. She will be forever missed.

Pam Danner

January 25, 2016

Gabby and the family of Brenda. I don't know if you guys remember me and my family or not but Gabby and my daughter grew up for a short time together brenda was an inspiration to us all and will be missed unfortunately I will not be able to make it to the service but I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers

Mandy Hinkey

January 25, 2016

Our deepest condolences to The Thurman Family. Our heart is going out losing someone so special. Brenda will be always close to your heart until you will meet again. She surely will be watching over you when you are awake or sleeping. God bless you all. You will be in our Prayers.

Joe and Julie Dumlao

January 24, 2016

The Dumlao Family would like to express their deepest condolences to the Thurman Family and would like to remember Brenda Thurman for her wonderful and warm light she shared with us while she was on this Earth. Rest in peace my friend.

Lonetta Holmes

January 24, 2016

My friend, you are gone. My heart hurts and words are all jumbled up in my mind. How do I express what you meant in this life? What you meant to me? We never had that cup of coffee...

There are so many people you have touched in your short time on this Earth. I am trying very hard to show love for others like you would have done--like you did. Thank you for accepting me for who and what I am. My prayers to your family and friends as we now need to forge out a new path to share with you. I love you Brenda...I am a better person cause I knew you. Peace and love always.

I will never forget you!

Llelipsa Francis

January 24, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Thurman Family & Raquel.
Brenda was an AMAZING friend, I have known her for over 30 years; She has definitely left and imprint in my heart.
The memories of our days together, will stay deep inside my heart FOREVER. ❤

Sarafina & Jon Buchanan

January 24, 2016

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Special thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Nataly Palacios Ferreira

January 24, 2016

Dear Thurman Family,
Our sincere apologies for your loss. Brenda was and exceptional person and she will be truly missed. Our prayers will be with you. God bless

Brenda and I in NYC in our younger days.

Damaris Ramirez

January 24, 2016

I remember Brenda fondly and pray that God carries this family through such a difficult time. You will be missed Brenda! Love Damaris Palacios-Ramirez and family.

Omaira Colon-Hill

January 22, 2016

To the Thurman family, words can not express how sorry we are to hear about the loss of Brenda she was such a beautiful individual, she touched many people's heart. I pray that you all can find comfort knowing that she was loved by so many people. We will forever remember her beautiful smile and how positive she always was. Fond memories.

Dorothea Hendershott

January 22, 2016

Prayers & Blessings for you and your family. I thank you for being there for me when I was at my lowest,your words really hit home when I needed them. You will be missed so much,I will always remember your words of wisdom,to keep fighting,no matter what is thrown at you. Thank you for All you do. May GOD Bless you & your family

January 22, 2016

May God bless you and keep you Brenda. You are so missed. Prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Billings Vet Center
Bryon, Mary, Mary, Kiva, Doug and Mario

Kellie

January 22, 2016

Prayers & Blessings

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