Brenda Stalnaker Lucas

LUCAS, Brenda S., 62, born September 25, 1949, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Brenda is survived by her husband of 39 years, R. Bruce Lucas of Richmond; her two daughters, Jennifer Lucas and Elizabeth Heizer; and son-in-law, Paul Heizer; grandson, Lance Heizer, all of Richmond. She is also survived by eight sisters, Thelma Courtney, Mary Stalnaker, Vivian Swann, Caroline Barrett, Debbie Hardesty, Anita Lutz, Wanda Woodard, Theresa Dunaway; and one brother, Dean Stalnaker. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and an abundance of close friends. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Mary Stalnaker; as well as her brother, Daniel Stalnaker, all of Tapphannock, Va. Brenda graduated from Radford University and spent the next decade teaching elementary school. She then returned to VCU to receive a master's in Education and worked for many years as an adjunct faculty member supervising student teachers. Brenda's courage and strength over the last three years is a true testament to her love of life and desire to spend time with her family and friends. Her smiling face and beautiful spirit will truly be missed. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 1 at 11 a.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1400 Horsepen Rd. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VCU Massey Cancer Center, P.O. Box 980214, Richmond, Va. 23298, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, Calif. 90266. Condolences may be made at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.