Brenda was a loving full-time stay-home mother and wife for several years leading up to the unexpected death of her second husband. That untimely loss, and events that occurred during that experience, caused Brenda to make the decision to return to school and eventually earn a nursing degree. She then took a job working in the nursing field, where she proudly devoted the entirety of her nursing career to providing comfort, support, and holistic end-of-life care. She was very kind-hearted, and could often be found sitting with patients in their last moments, long after her work shift had ended; especially when she knew the patient had no other family or friend to be there with them.
Brenda found great joy in being a grandmother to all young children in her life. Throughout the year she would faithfully set money aside on a regular basis to ensure all of her grandchildren could enjoy a magical Christmas when that special morning arrived. She looked forward to doing arts and crafts projects with her grandchildren; she genuinely loved and appreciated each and every piece of art they created together. She divided the remainder of her free time between playing Bingo and going out to dance and enjoy Saturday evenings with friends at her local American Legion. Her family and friends now fondly recall how she never turned away a chance to dance to her favorite song, “Pride and Joy,” by music artist Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Brenda is survived by her children: John L. Hockman Jr, Tony J. Hockman, Kelly R. Hockman, Steven G. Culver, Saprena M. Smitherman, Charles A. Hockman; mother, Shirley M. (King) Burriss; siblings: Judith Burriss, William Burriss, Delores Burriss, Donna Cornell, Ronald Burriss; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her father, Brenda was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brittany C. Hockman.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Brenda’s honor on Saturday, November 12 at 1:00pm. This event will take place in the reception area of The Lion’s Club, 310 South George Street, Ranson, WV 25438.
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