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Brenda Joyce Foster, 79, of Florence, Mississippi, passed from her earthly home to her heavenly one on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, to rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am followed by a funeral service at 11:30 am at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3077 Simpson Highway 13, Mendenhall, Mississippi. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery in Shivers, Mississippi. Bro. Andy Mullens, Bro. Chris Floyd, Bro. Harold Floyd, and Mr. Charlie Woodward will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements. 601-847-4401.
On November 22, 1943, Brenda Joyce was born to Kiley and Ruby Smith in Mendenhall, Mississippi. During early childhood, she spent many days trying to keep up with her brother, Nathan “Smitty”, and creating cherished memories with her cousins. Although Brenda tragically lost both parents at an early age, she was blessed to meet the love of her life, Joe Ray Foster, shortly after the passing of her mother. She always said she knew Joe was “the one” because he and her mother shared an August 25th birthdate. Brenda and Joe wed on June 2, 1962, in the parsonage at Poplar Springs Baptist Church where they attended church during their dating years. The marriage marked the beginning of a beautiful life together. God blessed the union with two children, Danada Dawn and Joseph Randall “Randy”, and Brenda devoted herself to motherhood. The family enjoyed many years together in Jackson, Mississippi, before moving to Florence in 1979.
With a desire to “make a little extra Christmas money,” Brenda accepted a seasonal job with Gayfer’s Department Store in the early 1970’s. Twenty-seven years later, she was still there, a testament to her loyalty and hard work. She served Gayfers in various departments including Ladies Wear, Formals, Bridals, and Security. Through her work with Gayfers, Brenda grew professionally and developed many lifelong friends. One such friendship was with Eunice Bardwell. Eunice and Brenda “adopted” each other and shared a special bond.
In 2000, Brenda joined the Mississippi Department of Education’s Budget Office working for then-Director Ralph McDonald. Ralph was a wonderful boss, but more importantly, he was a cherished and dear friend. After Ralph’s passing, Brenda transferred to the Mississippi Department of Transportation where she served Executive Director Larry L “Butch” Brown as his receptionist. She and Butch often bantered over which of them was the true master yo-yo champion since they both were awarded the title in their youth. Brenda loved meeting the many MDOT visitors and working with other staff members. One of her favorite activities, however, was enjoying lunches with her daughter, Danada, who also worked for MDOT. Throughout her years in public service, Brenda demonstrated her dedication to the State of Mississippi and her colleagues.
Completely in love with her family, there was nothing Brenda enjoyed more than being Nana to her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the holidays, traveling, and attending their many performances and events. She was so proud of them and supported their development into adulthood. Her greatest piece of advice was, “Always seek God’s guidance in every step you take.”
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Kiley Smith; her mother, Ruby Blackwell Smith; brother, Nathan “Smitty” Smith (Curlane); sister, Lucille Dear (Bill); father-in-law, Austin A. Foster (Buleah); sister-in-law, Louise Martin (Carol); and brother-in-law Alsa Foster (Shirley).
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Joe Ray Foster; daughter, Danada Dawn Foster McMurtry (Roger) and their children, Blake Johns, Matthew McMurtry, Meaghan McMurtry, and Morgan McMurtry; son, Joseph Randall Foster (Stephanie) and their children, Joe Foster and Kelly Foster; nephew, Jeff Smith (Donna); brothers-in-law, Paul Foster (Patricia), Larry Foster (Paulette); sister-in-law, Sue Riley Foster; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Blake Johns, Matthew McMurtry, Jeff Smith, Charlie Woodward, Ron Spikes, Gerald Callaway, Greg Foster, and Milton Martin.
Special music will be performed by Randy Foster, Case Farnham, Don and Heather Barnes, Charlie Woodward, and Chris Floyd.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
MageeNews.com is an online news website covering Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
