A quiet, graceful soul, Brenda Laverne Dempsey, was born July 19, 1947, the oldest child of Doris Marie Suttice and Sidney Dempsey.  Brenda attended her early schooling in Richmond and Pittsburg, CA, and later graduated from Alhambra High School, Martinez, CA in 1966.

An ambitious young woman, Brenda enlisted in the U.S. Job Corps in 1966 which enabled her to travel the country and support local industries.  After performing these civic services, in 1972, Brenda began working at Bullock's Department Store in Southern California, where she became one of their Top Fashion Models.  This was an exciting time of new opportunities for her, and she showered her family with lavish gifts from the perks of her employment.

In 1978, Brenda relocated to Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where she began a new career at a Local Labor Union.  There she met her mate, Bill Hawkins, and their union lasted for 25 years until his death in 1999. At that time, Brenda relocated back to the S.F. Bay Area where she worked at various companies until her retirement.

Brenda was instrumental in caring for her aging Mother, along with the aid of her siblings. She continued as a caregiver until approximately 2017 when her own health began to decline.  Her siblings continued to provide care for her until her death in 2021.

Brenda was preceded in death by her Mother in March 2019, and her Brother, Meredith (Merdy), in March 2021.  She leaves, a multitude of family to carry her memories; her siblings, Freddie Mitchel (Adell), Taharka (Sid) Dempsey (Isis), Audra Nicholson (Stan), Darryl Hall (Cathi), and oldest relative, Aunt Oweita Dunwood.

Brenda was such a loving, caring and giving person, who often played "Santa Claus" to her family by giving them expensive presents and also hosted family dinners. Her family remembers her as an elegant and profoundly graceful woman who always had her hair beautifully coiffed and was always "dressed to the Nines".  Her deepest love was her family, as was theirs for her.

A host of relatives to mourn her departure; siblings, cousins, an aunt, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and close friends, etc.

Brenda will be sorely missed and her memory will be cherished forever.

Many Thanks to all the family, friends who called, texted, visited and supported us during this challenging times; all your prayers and thoughts are greatly appreciated.