Brenda was born on March 1st, 1946 in Gadsden, AL to Edward and Louise Cherry.
Brenda had a long list of accomplishments in both education and career. She was a graduate of the Birmingham School of Law. She also worked as a mail carrier with the USPS for 27 years. During her tenure with the post office, she fought for women's rights in the workplace.
Brenda loved life, and sharing it with those she was close to. A beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she enriched the lives of all that crossed her path. She enjoyed reading, music, travel, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She had a very vivid imagination and lively sense of humor and loved telling stories and playing games with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Edward Cherry, mother, Louise Cherry, sister, Karen McKinney, daughter, Kristin Downing Martin, aunt, June Naylor, and special friend, Allen Odin. She is survived by her son, John Downing III, grandchildren, Lindsey Lewis, Tripp Martin, Millie Martin, Brittnee Jeffrey, Miranda Morrison, Callie Downing, John Downing IV and Ben Downing, great grandchildren Dylan Elizabeth Lewis and Lola Arlee Lewis, sisters, Emily Griffith and Regina Gwin, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Family will honor Brenda in a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to pay it forward with an act of kindness or a donation to a cause you feel strongly about.
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