Brenda J. Johnson

Brenda Joyce Fitzgerald Johnson was born on April 24, 1949 to the late James Fitzgerald and Eleanor Purnell. She was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, November 22, 2020. Brenda faced several health challenges in later years of her life., but she bravely fought to live her life abundantly. She maintained a positive outlook. Brenda was baptized at an early age at Zion Baptist Church, located at Lanvale and Caroline Streets in East Baltimore. During her young adult life, she was a member of the First Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Franklin C. Showell. Brenda later joined and remained a faithful and proud member of the New Psalmist Baptist Church pastored by her beloved Bishop Walter Scott Thomas. She loved God and kept the faith. She trusted Him through the trials of life. Brenda recognized the power of prayer. She relished attending church with Tarsha and her grandsons. She was encouraged by Dr. Thomas's spiritually enlightening sermons and inspired by the music of the New Psalmist Choir. In 1970, while working for Johns Hopkins Hospital, she met her late husband Nathaniel Johnson, Jr. They were married in 1974. Brenda was blessed to have given birth to two children- Tarsha Danielle Fitzgerald and Charles Edward Whittington,III. She adored being a mother and a grandmother. She loved her family and was a huge supporter of their many endeavors. It was special for her to travel to California to spend time with Charles and equally special when he visited her in Baltimore. She could be seen front and center at live music events and concerts produced by Tarsha as well as her grandchildren's sporting and school events, graduations, proms, birthday celebrations, etc. She loved spending time with her extended family and close friends. She maintained a family-like bond of love with them. Brenda possessed tremendous mother-wit. Brenda often shared wisdom and knowledge about life with the younger generation. Brenda loved to laugh and have a good time. She was intuitive, resourceful and a motivator. She ensured her children and grandchildren received first-class education from distinguished private schools. While she respected the power of a good education, she also recognized the importance of using good common sense to achieve success. Brenda was multi-talented. She worked in many fields to included the Johns Hancock Insurance Company as an insurance agent. She also worked on the worked on the campaign to elect the late William Donald Schaefer. Later, she became a legal administrator for Gallagher, Evelius, & Jones Law firm. Brenda was passionate about caring for others. She began working in the caretaking field, which including assisting the late Mr. William C. March, Sr. and a dear friend, Ms. Rose. She also worked as a child caretaker at the Developing Youth Daycare Center. Brenda was very proud to be from East Baltimore, Brenda's nickname were Boss Lady, Jazzy B, & Pineapple. She enjoyed family and friend gatherings and preparing delicious meals for them. She loved a myriad of music genres and artists. One of her favorite artists was Prince. Brenda lived a long and fulfilled life, full of love, joy, perseverance and happiness.

Tributes

Brenda J. Johnson

April 24, 1949 - November 11, 2020