Brenda Joyce Carter

Brenda was born in Houston, TX on July 18, 1954. She grew up in Spring Branch where she was a member of the Bruin Brigade at Spring Branch High School. She attended Southwest Texas State University where she graduated with a degree in education. After that, she returned to her roots in the Spring Branch area where she taught P.E. and coached various sports at Landrum Middle School. After her teaching career, she worked in the oil and gas industry as a scheduler for many years, and ultimately found a home at Buffalo Marine Service.

Outside of her professional life, Brenda lent her time and abilities to many organizations. She was a member of the Salt Grass Trail Ride Association, a member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a member of the Houston Farm & Ranch Club, a chairman at the Harris County Fair Association, a founding member of the all-woman trail ride group G.R.I.T. (L.O.T.T.), and even a troop leader in the San Jacinto Girl Scouts at one point, among many others. She had a passion for horses, trail riding, cooking, and just helping out wherever and however she could, whether it was helping the FFA booster club of Nikki's high school, organizing reunions for her Spring Branch classmates, or getting her family together for dinners and holidays.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 25 years, David Smith, her father, Tom Carter, her children, Brandon Oliveri and Nikki and Donald Upchurch, grandchildren, Paige and Reagyn Upchurch, brother and sister in law, Paul and Judy Carter, brother in law and sister in law, Ralph and Debbie Smith, nephews and nieces, Dustin and Rachel Carter, Stephanie Carter, Brant and Jessica Smith, and Emily Smith. Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Carter.

A celebration of Brenda's life will be held Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, TX 77494.

Those who so desire, in lieu of flowers, may make a donation in Brenda's name to the American Cancer Society, to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or to any of your other favorite cancer or diabetes charities.