Ms. Brenda Marie "Nana" Smith

Ms. Brenda Marie Smith peacefully transitioned on September 21, 2025, at the age of 75, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Born on April 30, 1950, in Virginia Beach, VA, to Pauline Purdie and Clyde Siler, Brenda was affectionately known as "Nana" among family and friends. She was a gifted student, advisor, teacher, and administrator at Norfolk State University.

Brenda was introduced to the importance of education and service to God, family, and her community at an early age. She built close bonds with both her immediate and extended family. She accepted God as her lord and Savior and chose Bank Street Baptist Church as her church home.

Her love of music was showcased as she transcended gender boundaries as the only girl in the trumpet section of the Rosemont Jr. High School marching band. As a Norfolk Public School student during the desegregation era, she was one of a small group of African American students in the graduating class of Norview High School in 1968.

She also leveraged her degree in Physical Education to enhance the lives of her students and the Student Activities Department. Her tireless efforts to provide guidance and support to Norfolk State students were demonstrated by coordinating and facilitating programs and countless trips for fraternities, sororities, cheerleaders, and academic organizations, including the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) team. Additionally, she served as United Way Champion for the university and reported directly to the president. During Brenda's lengthy tenure at Norfolk State University, she obtained a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs: Human Resources Planning and Administration. After retiring from Norfolk State, Brenda's passion for education led her to Virginia State University, where she served as Administrative Assistant, Department of Conference Service, for several years.

In addition to Brenda's work in education, she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as well as the Delicados, Inc., and Girlfriends Inc.

She was predeceased by her loving mother, Pauline Purdie; step-father, Stanley Purdie Sr.; brothers, Christopher and Stanley Purdie; nephews, Ronald T. Smith, and Christopher Mercer; and aunt, Vivian West.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memory, children, Dameyon Smith (Courtney) and Vonna Falls (Christopher); three sisters, Cynthia Purdie Smith, Linda Purdie Newby, Paulette E. Purdie; grandchildren, Breonna Smith-Cuffee, Koi Johnson-Smith (Brianna), Kedar Johnson-Smith, Kadyn Johnson-Smith, Jacquelyn Falls, Kyleigh Falls, Larynn Falls; great-grandchildren, Vincent and Emory Ali, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.