Brenda Joyce (White) Johnson was born on August 26, 1946 to the late Allen Lee (Ruth Ann Brown) White in Shelbyville, Indiana. She was the eldest of two children born to this union.
Brenda graduated from Franklin Community High School in Franklin, IN. Her continuing studies included proficiencies in leadership, program management, technology and strategic planning. After working for Ameritech (AT&T) Telephone Company for 17 years, Brenda also worked 17 years for Eli Lilly and Company, retiring in February 2011, both companies located in Indianapolis, IN.
Brenda had always wanted to be an early childhood teacher. After retirement she was able to realize her dream as she joined the staff at Polly Panda Preschool on East 56th St in Indianapolis, IN. Brenda was artistic, creative and a nurturer at heart. As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her kind and loving spirit became the mainstay for staff, parents and children at Polly Panda Preschool for almost 4 years.
Brenda never met a stranger. She was a social butterfly. Brenda was civic minded. She enjoyed event planning. Doing for others was her mantra. She volunteered and chaired many community and civic groups and events (Neighborhood Association, Concord Center, Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council (IMSDC), Black Managers Association, Special Olympics, Pioneers, Society for Prevention of Blindness, and Circle City Classic). For years Brenda was an active supporter of the Warren Township School(s) activities as a mother and grandmother.
Brenda’s love for her family was no secret. The endearment in the tone of her voice each time a family member’s name was mentioned was a silent storyteller. Brenda also had many special relationships (over her lifetime) with neighbors, coworkers and friends, all of whom know who they are. Of course, there is the “Fantastic Four” (Nancy Bridgeforth, Paula Harrison, Virgie Price and Nancy Smith) whose friendship spans over 30+ years. The love Brenda shared with family, friends and every life she touched is her legacy.
Brenda Joyce Johnson departed this life on October 24, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen Lee “Sarge” (Ruth Ann) White, an infant son – Christopher Allen Johnson, and an infant granddaughter, Tracy E. Pruitt. She leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Todd E. (Helen) Pruitt of Springfield, OH and Trent E. Pruitt of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Allen L. White of Shelbyville, IN; nine grandchildren, Nicole M. Pruitt of the United Kingdom, Todd E. (Christa) Pruitt II, Tyler E. Pruitt, Tarynn E. Pruitt, Tevin E. Pruitt of Springfield, OH, Taylor E. Pruitt, Trent E. Pruitt II, Trajan E. Pruitt of Indianapolis, IN and Trinity E. Pruitt of Whitestown, IN; great-grandson Todd E. Pruitt of Enon, OH and11 great-grandchildren in the United Kingdom, niece Ashley (Jamie) Pruitt Johnson and son Breckin of Shelbyville, IN; uncles, Jack (Janet) McDuffey, Michael McDuffey, and Douglas (Jane) McDuffey of Shelbyville, IN, and James (Constance) Pruitt of Indianapolis, IN; Lesley (Keith) Phelps, of Orlando, FL, Kelly Jo Perry of Baltimore, MD; and a host of special cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, October 28, 2016 from 4pm to 8 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Reverend James Pruitt officiating.
Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Shelbyville, IN.
Funeral Directors Greg, Sheila and Stuart Parks are honored to conduct the services for Brenda.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
God watched as you suffered and
He knew you had your share.
He gently closed your weary eyes,
And took you in His care.
Your memory is our keepsake,
With that we will never part:
God has you in His keeping,
We have you in our heart.
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