Brenda Thompson Farris

On Thursday, March 4, 2021, our God in His infinite wisdom called His beloved daughter to His home in paradise. Brenda Joanne Thompson Farris was born to Alonzo Royce and Bernice Newbill Thompson on September 4, 1954 in Richmond, Virginia. The oldest of three children, Brenda was educated in the New Kent County Public School system and graduated from Virginia State University (VSU), receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. While at VSU, she was inducted into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Upon her graduation from college, Brenda worked as a Special Education teacher, attending to the needs of children with learning and developmental disabilities. It was here that she realized her people skills were best suited for the corporate sector, and she became a Customer Service Representative for Capital One Financial Corporation and State Farm Insurance Company. Prior to retiring in 2019, Brenda worked for 12 years as a Lead Sales Associate (LSA) for the Virginia State Alcohol Beverage Control Authority where she earned great respect from her leadership and colleagues. She professed her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age, first joining Lebanon Baptist Church in Tunstall; later, a faithful member of a church closer to her home - Second Liberty Baptist Church in Quinton. While at Second Liberty, she was a member of the choir and remained devoted to the church, even throughout the COVID Pandemic. Brenda was known to be kind, compassionate, and loving. She was devoted to her family, taking care of her aging mother and brother, who recently experienced failing health. Brenda transported them to physician visits, made sure their medicine was correct and taken on time. She lifted their spirits by keeping them connected to other family members and friends via regular phone calls. Her compassion was also conveyed by way of her humane care of animals. Brenda LOVED animals and was known to have a menagerie. She was particularly fond of three dogs and one cat (Louie, Cleo, Princess, and Cinnamon). Brenda enjoyed good Gospel music and was a member of a group known as the “Gospel Five”. The group provided joyous, foot stomping songs at funerals and special programs within the area. When it came to her appearance, Brenda was always “dressed to kill”, wearing the most contemporary fashions and designs of the time. She was indeed a sharp dresser. While also having a sharp wit, she was known for giving her honest opinion with courtesy and sincere respect. Brenda could have been a wonderful Comedian. She loved to laugh, and Christmas was her favorite season. She was a consummate gift wrapper, taking great pains in coordinating the wrappings and bows while smiling from ear to ear when folks would say, “I know Brenda wrapped this gift. It’s too pretty to open.” Brenda was a devoted daughter, loving sister, aunt, great aunt, cousin, and friend. She leaves to cherish precious memories, her mother, Bernice Newbill Thompson; sister, Theresa T. Fisher; brother, Gordon A. Thompson; aunt, Shirley DeShazo; two nieces, Alonna and Danielle Fisher; two nephews, Gordon Thompson, Jr., and Ross Thompson; one great niece, Kinley Barnett; and one great nephew, Isaiah Morris; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Brenda Thompson Farris

September 4, 1954 - March 4, 2021