Brenda Abernathy

1945 - 2025

Brenda Cummings King Abernathy, 80, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025. She was born on July 12, 1945 in Richmond, Virginia, to Ronald E. and Shirley G. Cummings.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her guardians, James E. and Edna G. Schaeffer II, and her sister, Gayle Cummings Hoyt.

Brenda graduated from Granby High School and attended Old Dominion University, both in Norfolk. Over the years, she worked for the Virginia Manufactured and Modular Housing Association, the JCPenny Call Center in Midlothian and later as an agent with Primerica Financial Services. She was an active member of the American Business Women's Association and a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bon Air. Brenda found great joy in the music of Elvis Presley, which remained a cherished part of her life.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Delfina King; two grandchildren, John and Lily, all of San Antonio, TX; and two cousins, Robyn Schaeffer Green of Colonial Heights, VA, and James E. Schaeffer III of Durham, NC.

The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Ginter Hall South for the care and love that they shared with Brenda these last 6 years. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate care given Brenda as she transitioned to her Heavenly Home.