Brenda White

Deaconess Brenda J. Ward White was born June 19, 1946 in Bessemer, AL, the second child born to the late Deacon Robert C. Ward, Sr. and Mary Ballard Ward. One sibling, Robert "Buddy Boy" Ward, preceded her in death. She confessed hope in Jesus Christ at an early age and joined the First Baptist Old Jonesboro, under the pastorate of Pastor Willie C. Ward. She served faithfully in the choir and in other auxiliaries. She was a former member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Hillman Station, under the leadership of Pastor Edward Rodgers. In 2010 she came back home to First Baptist and served faithfully as an Usher until she became ill. She attended Pipe Shop Elementary School and Brighton High School where she graduated in May of 1964. Continuing her education, she attended Alabama A&M University and graduated with a degree in Business in 1969. After graduating she was employed at University of Alabama Huntsville until she returned home in 1972 and began working at Amsouth Bank. In 1974 she was employed with the Federal Reserve Bank in Birmingham, AL. She retired in 2003 and went to work in the Birmingham School System. Brenda was united in Holy Matrimony to Clarence White in October of 1976. To this union one son , Dwayne, was born. She leaves to cherish beautiful memories: husband, Clarence White; son, Dwayne (Doria) White, Birmingham, AL.; three grandchildren, Shemaiah Jones, Kyron White and Brion Johnson; mother, Mrs. Mary B. Ward, Bessemer, AL; three brothers, William "Cag" Ward, Bessemer, AL, Odis (Vanessa) Ward, Midfield, AL and Henry Ward, Bessemer, AL; one sister, Loraine Ward, Bessemer, AL; two aunts, Oceola (Frankie) Tracey and Catherine Ballard, Detroit, MI; two sister-in-laws, Gwendolyn (Red) Shaw, Birmingham, AL and Alfrieda Bibb; one step son, Marcus (Ann) White, Nashville, TN; step daughter, Yolanda White-Johnson, Maricopa, AR; step grandmother, Annie Ward, Bessemer, AL; a special sister-in-law, Vanessa Ward; two special nurses, Barbara Henry and Laura McGruder; a devoted neighbor and friend, Carol DeRamus, Bessemer, AL and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.