Born in Atchison Kansas on November 28, 1953, "Bren", what people called her affectionately; known to many as Brenda Banks. Brenda was the eldest of 5; Buddy who is still with us, and 3 brothers who preceded her death James, Scott and Bryon.
Some may not be able to imagine being the eldest, beautiful, and only sister in a house of boys. Busy boys, boys who could eat, but also were overprotective and mindful of her beauty. She helped build a foundation for her brothers while her mother provided. Through the years her brothers then kept a watchful eye on their sister, being the inspiration to them as they grew up. Brenda and her brother James, known by many as Jay, had a significant close-knit bond. These two were inseparable if you seen Jay you seen Bren.
Brenda was introduced to our Lord upon birth, which truly helped hold her together and maintain the challenges she encountered. With her mother, a First Lady, music director and organist, Brenda was certain the Lord our Savior was with her through every step every day.
Brenda graduated from East High School, while parenting her first born Karla Banks and keeping tend to her brothers. Education was one of her top priorities. Having knowledge was a passion, a strong passion of hers that led her to enroll in college. Shortly after, she became an educator with Denver Public Schools while being dedicated to her family in addition to other families within the school system.
Brenda was happily married to Chester Banks Jr. 30 years prior to his passing. To this wonderful union, a handsome son Chester Banks III was born, and following an adorable daughter Dannea Banks. With her recent births, Brenda took a break from school to spend time with her children teaching them the importance of education. Brenda was so devoted to her children being educated she enrolled back into college in pursuit of her master's degree in Sociology in addition to supporting her family.
Family was of the utmost importance to Brenda; you can always count on her to be by your side in many aspects. She was consistently selfless with her time and her heart. She was the host with the most by opening her home to close friends and associates that she met over time.
We can all say that Brenda was very vocal; boy you better be ready to talk for a few hours. Your ears would be hot when you got off that phone but, you left with wisdom, inspiration, guidance, motivation and incite no matter what the topic was.
Brenda was also a great listener yet, if there was something that she did not agree with, she would certainly speak her mind. A few quotes she would say upon conversations with Brenda were, "everyone has their own truth", and "you cannot change any person especially an adult no matter how hard your try" as well "I'm listening".
She dearly loved and admired her granny, Josephine, throughout her numerous trips to Wyoming, she inherited wisdom, knowledge, and a multitude of traditional values in life.
When Brenda paved the way for her future as a young mother, she had a tremendous amount of support from all her brothers, especially Bud. Brenda also enjoyed fishing with her brother Jay and her cousin Bobby.
Amongst many favorite hobbies, gambling was top tier; with being the fashionist she was, shopping came in second due to her exquisite taste. She enjoyed cooking, especially seafood and watching her favorite soap operas, Young and the Restless as well as Dark Shadow. Her favorite artist was Smokey Robinson. Brenda enjoyed spending time with her friends partaking in various events and get togethers in which she shared her love for music and dancing.
Brenda genuinely enjoyed spending time with her 13 grandchildren and her 7 great grandbabies with 3 more to come. Each had an individual special place in her heart. Her first grandchild Daveion brought upon so much joy. As her second grandson came to life, through his tough times, Chester IIII encountered a relationship that both shared dearly. Throughout the relationships she had with her grandchildren Nehshaylae and Brenda were close. They both, including Brenda's' mother, love the color purple. Breajeana who is one of her youngest granddaughters, also shared time, special moments, and a host of memories with her grandma. Brenda absolutely loved everyone in her own way. To know Brenda was to love Brenda. Brenda will be deeply missed by all those who came in contact with her.