Brenda Sue Johnson was born August 16,1945, in Cordele, Georgia to the late James and Juanita Johnson.  Her young life was rich with family in the small town she lived where everyone was related.

Brenda was the 2nd oldest sister, 4th in line of a total of 8 children.  She learned at an early age that your wealth is your family, and she cherished the days she was able to attend any family gathering.

Brenda was a dreamer and decided to move to Chicago as a teenager where she attended Crane Technical High School in 1962.  She made tons of friends but to the family, she was the mystery world traveler who lived in the big city.  She eventually relocated to Rochester, New York with her two sons Rodney and Paul, realizing that her dream was to be with family and wanted them to have the same values.

Brenda was passionate about everything and was very determined to fulfil her aspirations. Brenda decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and became a Monroe County Deputy Sheriff in October of 1980, and retired in September of 2000.

Once retired, Brenda moved to Las Vegas to be close to her mother and sister.  She loved living in Las Vegas.  In retirement, she became more determined to fulfill her dreams.  She discovered her creative side.  She loved music so she bought a baby grand piano and a guitar.  She loved to draw and aspired to be an artist, so she bought an easel.  She loved to make all kinds of crafts like hats and greeting cards, so she took an arts class.  She indeed was a perfectionist.

Through her retirement, her faith in God grew stronger and she was curious about all types of faiths.  She had a weekly ritual which was to schedule healthy debates on Religion, Family and maybe some gossip with her beloved brother in law, James Williams.

Her home was filled with everything she loved from books to paintings and her television glued to PBS documentaries.

What made Brenda so special was her ability to find perfection in people.   No matter the circumstance she would support everyone because she believed every human has something unique about them.  Brenda didn’t have daughters but took on the role as second mother to nieces, Monica, Yolanda, Michelle, Lichelle and Barbara.

On Saturday, April 19th, 2025, with her nephew, Eric and sister Ann by her side. Brenda passed away from her battle with a long illness.

Brenda leaves to cherish fond memories her sons, Rodney (Tammy) Johnson, and Paul (Michelle) Johnson; 6 grandchildren: Deneatra Johnson, Michelle (Jonathan) Merritt, Madison, Mitchell, Marshall and Mackenzie Johnson; 1 great-grandchild, Aniyah Johnson; siblings: Ann (Pierre) Elie, James “Pee Wee” Johnson, Theodore Johnson, Leon (Zainab) Johnson; and many nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded by her brother John “Johnny” Johnson, sister Leola (James) Williams, and brother Mack “MD” Johnson.

Calling hours are scheduled from 4:00 -7:00 PM on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with a Funeral Service the next day at 10:00 AM on Friday May 2, 2025, all held at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. 3325 S. Winton Road, Rochester, NY.

Brenda was known for her stylish dark colored outfits. The family kindly requests that guests honor her by wearing black.