Good Afternoon and welcome to the Brenda Wooden Love Club. A person like Brenda does not come around often in most of our lives, and when you do meet someone like her you know it’s different. When I met Brenda for the first time, she greeted me with a warm welcoming smile, like she already knew me and wanted to know more about me; she really took an interest in what I had to say and she listened! After knowing me for a short while, she would greet me on the phone or in person with “Hey Sunshine” or “what’s going on Precious?” My thought was “oh that’s so cute, I’ve got a nickname! Now I wonder, Do any of you remember when you realize she called everyone Sunshine and Precious? I don’t remember when, but I know I was shock that it was not just MY special name! I realize I was ok with that because it was Brenda and she had included me in her special world.

“Sunshine” and “Precious” will always be Brenda’s words, I have never and will never call anyone else that, not because no one else is worthy but because they are Brenda’s terms of endearment!

I want you all to know that Brenda never lost her faith in God, and she had a beautiful relationship with God and I believe she truly was at peace.
Brenda made me a better person and a better friend. She had so much tolerance and patience, yes, especially with me. She taught me how to shop on-line and not be afraid that I was going to get spam or scam. I also asked a lot of questions because she was tech savy, and I was not, but she never made me feel pathic, and I was! Now when I get in a situation where someone has got on my last nerve, I say to myself, WWBDS (what would Brenda do or say?) I do that and it works out for all involved! (Can I have all FDHS board members & volunteers to stand)

Brenda was an awesome President of The FDHS, she represented us so well and she was dedicated to the mission to educate and honor Frederick Douglass. She was very proud of the work the Board, the Volunteers and Supporters put in to see the Mission through especially during her illness. If she were here, she would say Thank you, Team!

Now, I have to say a little something about her national and international friendships, care and love. This past Spring Brenda were invited to Harvard University where she met a professor name Barbara Rodriguez and to no one’s surprise they quickly became very good friends as if they had known each other forever. Another dear friend, Celeste Marie Bernier, a professor from Edinburgh, Scotland loved her, as well. When Brie found out that they wanted to visit Brenda, she made arrangements for that to happen. It was the best surprise, to see her face light up when she saw them. Barbara wrote about that visit: “I could tell that Brenda saw the heartbreak in my eyes when we went to visit her, she held my hand when we were sitting at the table, letting me know, I think, that she saw the heartbreak. I will miss her beauty and wisdom…

One last testament to who she was to so many – we have two more friends of the FDHS that move to England a couple of years ago, but continue to stay in touch and be supportive. When they learned of the passing of Brenda, they knew they had to come back to say goodbye. Rick & Bruce, God bless you for making the trip and showing your love and appreciation for Brenda. She loved & appreciated both of you. Brenda can definitely be considered a friend to all.

We all lost someone so special on November 26, 2023. Shore United Bank lost a loyal employee, I believe she was Shore United’s personal Ambassador for Banking! Bethel AME and St. Stephen’s AME lost a faithful member and friend. She didn’t ask if you wanted to be a part of serving others in need, she just did what was necessary and right to help others, she spread care and joy wherever she was and it was always somewhere it was needed. Our entire community of Talbot County, Easton and the Upper Shore are going to miss what she represented, her warmth, care and kindness to everyone.

I know I am a blessed and better person because Brenda was in my life and I am a better friend because Brenda was the best friend.

Brenda is one more Angel watching over us, God now has one of his best angels helping him and he knew she was prepared for the job.

Brenda genuinely loved us all, she cared for us all, and we will miss her, BUT, we are all better for knowing her, I KNOW I AM!

                                                                               Harriette Lowery’s remarks at Brenda Wooden’s funeral service