Brenda M. Graves

It is with profound sadness and much love that the family of Brenda Byrd Graves, affectionately known as “Bren” acknowledges that she went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 67, with her family by her side.

Brenda was born on January 17, 1953 in Metter, Georgia to Willie and Hazel Gordon Byrd. At an early age, her family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida.  She was educated in Duval County Public Schools and a 1970 Graduate of New Stanton High School.  Throughout her lifetime, Bren enjoyed many activities, but most of all she loved to sing and even was jokingly nicknamed “Myrna” after Myrna Summer. Brenda was a member of the Philippian Community Church Mass Choir and loved every moment of it.  She also was a volunteer in the “Learn To Read Jacksonville” program in the community to help combat illiteracy. Brenda was an employee of State Farm Insurance Company and retired after 28 years of service. She also established a strong bond with her State Farm Family.  After retirement from State Farm, she left the job but continued to stay in touch with her State Farm “gang”.  She eventually went back into the workforce and was employed by Humana, British Airways and AmeriHealth Carnitas.

Brenda was joined in holy matrimony to Reginald Graves in February 2001. She became a member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church and served as a Deaconess until health complications permitted her from doing so.  She loved God, enjoyed spending time with family and adored her grandchildren. She was a dedicated Grandmother and a cheerleader for all events and activities they participated in.

Brenda was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Mincey.  She is survived by her husband, Reginald Graves; loving parents, Hazel and Willie Byrd; one daughter, Rakisha Byrd Pickett; grandchildren, Terrance Emmanuel Pickett and Victoria Renee Pickett; brother, Willie Lamar Byrd; sister-cousin, Patricia “Ann” Hill; sister-in-loves, Bridgett Crutchfield, Brenda Ford, Gwendolyn Richardson; brother-in-loves, David and Mitchell Graves; aunts, Annette Sampson, Mary Byrd, Alma Lee Griffin and Tera Hobbs as well as a host of nieces, nephews cousins and sorrowing friends.

We would like to extend a special thank you, to physicians, nurses and support staff at UF Health Jacksonville, Neurology ICU/CC/Trauma for all of their dedication, care and support through this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org/diabetes/donation or to the Literacy Alliance of NE Florida (Learn to Read Jacksonville) at www.literacyallnefl.org.

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