On November 7, 2006 Brenda Joyce Bell crossed over into eternity with all of the dignity and courage that was characterized throughout her life. She remained in control until the end. Brenda entered this earthly realm on April 23, 1947, to her parents, Leslie Gabriel Holmes and Mary Ann Manuel-Holmes, as part of God's divine plan.

She attended Attucks and Banneker elementary schools and graduated from her beloved Dunbar High School in 1965. Dunbar High School was a great source of pride for Brenda. She was a majorette for the Mighty Dunbar Tigers Marching Band, a member of the 4H Club, and sang in the choir. Her devotion for Dunbar and her classmates, coupled with love for her Okmulgee family led Brenda to organize a class reunion every two years. She also participated in the Dunbar All School Reunion and served as co-chair this past year.

Brenda was truly a servant for God. She traveled across the United States to care for family and friends in need. She had a special gifting for caring for the elderly.

As a young child she became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Okmulgee, where she confessed her hope in Jesus Christ. Brenda was a member of the New Faith Baptist Church, in Tulsa, OK for more than 25 years. She served as the president of the mission and organizer of the Pastor's aid under the leadership of the late Pastor Harold Anderson. She was a faithful member under the leadership of Pastor Raymond McIntyre until her illness prevented her from attending church. The New Faith Family will miss her singing and tambourine playing.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Jay Ponder, Harold Griffin, Leslie Holmes, Jr., and Lovest Ponder; sister Ernestine Ford, and a very special cousin, Earnestine Washington.

Brenda leaves not only wonderful memories but a legacy of strength and determination to her children, Shermita Lewis, Xavier (Shanti) Wilborne and Seymour Richardson, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her grandchildren Shermeka Lewis, Shanecqua Lewis, Xaviona Wilborne, Seymoura Richardson, Xavier Wilborne, Jr., Nykolas Wilborne, Xailen and Xaveri Wilborne, and one beloved great-grandchild Syniah Moore (NuNu), all of Tulsa. In addition she leaves her sister, Anne Ponder-Brown of North Augusta, SC; brothers, Shedrick Holmes, Alois Holmes, Leslie Ponder,and Worley (Betty) Holmes, all of Tulsa; sisters Marion Holmes of Oklahoma City Godmother, Lula Jefferson, and her very best friends, Emile McGill, Shirley Cole, and Jesse Frazier.

The service of remembrance will be on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. in the All Faiths Chapel at the funeral home in Tulsa.

Cremation will follow the services.

You may visit "B.J.", as she slumbers at the funeral home on Monday from 10 AM to 7 PM.