Brenda Joy Long

We gather today in adoring memory of Brenda Joy Long, who passed away peacefully at home in hospice care surrounded by her loving family on May 9, 2026. Her life began on August 4, 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland, born to Dorothy Mae Long and John Madison. Brenda’s early years were filled with extraordinary moments that shaped the woman she became. At Dunbar High School, she developed her natural gift in gymnastics—so gifted that her coach encouraged Olympic training. Though her mother chose a path focused on academics, Brenda never lost her love for the sport. It was during high school that she met Warren Howard, Sr. (Basil Abdur‑Rahim). Their bond grew into marriage under Islamic law, where she embraced the name Fatima Maraka Abdur-Rahim, a name that reflected her spiritual journey and spoken by those closest to her. Through her spiritual journey, Brenda came to know and love the one true God of the Holy Scriptures, and she passed that spiritual foundation to her children through Scripture and music. One song Brenda would often sing to her children as a way to behind her love and trust in the Creator with music was “Try Jah Love”, a song based on the most famous occurrence in the Book of Psalm that commands believers to praise God specifically by this name: Psalm 68:4 (KJV): "Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him." Try Jah Love Song by Third World - 1982 Hey, can I say? Hey-ya A lonely soul, was I without direction I didn't know which way that I had to go I sought the clues, to life's unanswered questions My mind's heart had to know I heard you call while wandering through the darkness I'd walk a million miles to find that endless voice That speaks to me when I am in temptation Echoing my choice Then He said, "Seek ye shall find I've been with you through all time" And if thirsty I will quench you with my love And if you hunger, I will feed you with my word And all I ask of you is that you love, as I do And if you lose your way, I'll lead you to my love From a sinful life I'll cleanse you in my love For creation bears a witness, of my love You know that You should know it's time for the world to (try Jah love) The only love that can bring peace is (Jah-Jah love) So won't you try, try Jah love? Love Brenda was a woman of many gifts – she loved dancing, sewing, and most of all, her family. She enjoyed movies of every genre and proudly kept an impressive movie collection that reflected her wide-ranging interests.Brenda continued her education by attending Baltimore City Community College for an Associate’s Degree. She then continued further by attending Baltimore’s Career Institute to acquire certification in business and data processing. She also received certifications in Human Resources, OSHA and Protocols for Professional Safety and Business Administration. Brenda held several positions in business and housekeeping but gained her most notable professional tenure working for Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where she retired as an Account Manager, overseeing all employees and administration under the housekeeping operations for the entire hospital. Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Dorothy Mae Long, and her sister, Vera Long. She leaves behind a large and devoted family who will forever cherish her memory. She is survived by her brothers Peter Brown, Mark Brown, and Timothy Brown; her children Lyntoria Howard, Dara Howard (fiancé James Jackson), Latifa Long, Karima Howard, Oronde Howard, and Idris Howard; and her many grandchildren: Tamira Johnson, Shonta Scott (husband Otis Scott, expecting baby Rose), Shawn Roney (wife Ashley Roney), Keon Lynch, Daquon Roney, Derrick Palm, Jr., Keyosha Montgomery, Sie’Kia Howard, Capri Seldon (wife Alexandria Seldon), Seqouia Howard, Sha’keira Howard, Amira Williams, Khijha Howard (fiancé Daven Harrid), Khalia Rocha, Oronde Howard, Jr., and Karmen Rocha. She is also lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren: Taji Johnson, Taqqi Johnson, Tearyn Westbrook, Amina, Ava, Eli, and Liam Roney, Indigo King, Dei’Anna Macklin, Taylor Jones, Amir Scott, Samera, Maleeya, and Savannah Lynch, Jaleah and Samia Louden, Noah Montgomery, Sevyn Owens, Kairo Howard, and Ariyah Murphy. Brenda is further survived by her son-in-law Calvin Roney, daughter-in-law Lakeya Montgomery, her cherished niece by her only sister, Amira Mitchell, great-nieces Shamira Smith, Deja Williams, and Riley Mitchell, her sisters-in-law Nadine and Natalie, brother-in-law Albert Howard, and a host of nieces and nephews. She also held close to her heart those she lovingly regarded as her own children: Warren Howard, Jr., Rashida Howard, Mohammed Howard, Walida Howard, Diallo Howard, Ngina Howard, Asim Howard, Jamila Howard, Ragheba Howard, and D’jembe Howard. Brenda Joy Long was a pillar of strength for her family and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

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Brenda Joy Long

August 4, 1952 - May 9, 2026