Brenda Blackwell

Brenda Marie Johnson Blackwell was born on January 30, 1959, in Fairfield, California, to Charles (Odessa) Johnson and the late Bertha Burres. Brenda is the oldest of nine siblings. Six out of the nine were Mule Train participants.
Brenda accepted the gospel and remained steadfast in her faith as a member of the Church of Christ. She passed away on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 66. Brenda was united in marriage to L.C. Blackwell Jr. on September 30th, 1989, until his passing on February 11th, 2011. She is proceeded in death by her husband, L.C. Blackwell; her grandson, Achillius Johnons; her mother, Bertha Burres; and several other family members.
She leaves behind a significant legacy that includes five children. Ret. Major Purvis (Amoria) Johnson, Darrick (Yessenia) Johnson, Dr. Zipporah Burns, Alvin (Tressa) Johnson, and Parlee Johnson. Fourteen grandchildren, China Johnson (assisted in raising), Unique (Ebony) Johnson, Torre (Jessica) Johnson, Reiana (Mark) Harewood, Jaelyn Davis, Jamie-Sherrod Young, Darius Brooks-Johnson, Tyionna (Stefan) Bozman, Mario Burns Jr, Serenity Johnson, Kaylee Johnson, Myah Johnson, Emberly Johnson, Alvin Johnson Jr. Eleven great-grandchildren; Jermiah Johnson, Unique Johnson, Jr, Jyzelle Johnson, Gianna Johnson, Jorja Johnson, Genevieve Johnson, Ivory Johnson, Amya Johnson, Jordin Foster, Jamirah Young, and Jaslynn Young. She leaves her emblem of love to six brothers: Charles (Bridget) Johnson, Brian Johnson, Nelson (Margaret) Johnson, Terence Johnson, Ruther Johnson, and Henry Boose; and two sisters, Trudy (Christopher) Mencke and Carol Sumter. Brenda was a warm and supportive person whose kindness permeated everything she did. Overcoming challenges fueled her strength, enabling her to uplift others through her love of cooking, music, and teaching. With patience and a smile, she connected deeply with those in need.
Brenda embodied resilience and grace, inspiring others while embracing her own vulnerabilities. Grateful for her family's support, she focused on positivity and growth. Nineteen years ago, she began teaching preschool at East Grand Church of Christ (EGCOC) after a decade as a certified dietary manager, where she emphasized the importance of flavorful pureed food for nursing home residents.
Cooking, especially baking cakes and pies, was her joyful outlet, and family gatherings were her priority, fostering closeness among the Johnsons. Despite living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she embraced healing and peace on September 4th, 2025. Her smile will always reflect the warmth she shared.