Brenda Smith

Brenda C. Smith entered eternal rest on February 13, 2026. She was born on March 30, 1944, in Nevis, West Indies, and came to New Haven, Connecticut, at the age of ten. She was the beloved daughter of Arthur M. Smith and Dorothy Powell Smith, both originally from the island of Nevis in the West Indies.

Brenda was raised in New Haven and educated in the New Haven public school system. She graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1962. She pursued higher education at Ohio State University in Cleveland, Ohio; completed her undergraduate degree at Wilberforce University in Ohio-where she also pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and later earned her master's degree from the University of Georgia in Atlanta.

After completing her education, Brenda returned home to begin her career in Waterbury as a social worker. She also worked at Yale New Haven Hospital as a social worker for a brief period before transitioning into education. Brenda went on to teach at Greenwich High School and later served as a social worker in the Stamford Public School system, where she retired in 2011.

Brenda was a devoted member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and maintained a strong foundation of faith throughout her life. She was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

She enjoyed traveling around the world to places such as Niagara Falls, Dubai, Africa, St. Kitts & Nevis, and many other destinations. Brenda also loved walking with friends, spending time with her family, and engaging in arts and crafts.

Brenda is survived by her brother, Glendale Smith; nephews Allen Smith, Emerson "Chubby" Smith, Ira Smith, Jabree Washington (great-nephew), Isaiah Smith, Andy Smith, Leon Smith, Kendale Smith, Keith Smith, and Tobi Smith (Eugene Jr.); and nieces Camella Smith, Markeda Smith, Misha Smith, Tamica Smith, Carla Smith, and Glenna Brown Giddens. She also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews; sisters-in-law Vanetta Smith (CT) and Sharon Smith (NJ); extended family members, friends, and her godson.

She was preceded in death by her three brothers-Arthur Edmead Llewellyn Smith, Eugene McLean Smith, and Irving E. Smith-her sister Dorothy T. Smith, and her sister-in-law Dorothy "Dot" Smith of Canada.

Brenda's life was defined by service, compassion, faith, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.