Brenda Joyce Hanks

Brenda Joyce Brownlee Hanks

January 4, 1950 – September 30, 2019

Brenda was the first-born daughter of Jane Ware and James Brownlee. She was  1968 graduate of Peake High School. Following graduation, she attended Fisk University then returned to Arkadelphia to complete her degree at Henderson State University.

She married Edward Charles Hanks and to this union no children were born. Brenda and Charles moved to Oakland, California where she resided for 47 years.

She worked as an underwriter for an insurance company. She retired once, but was so valued as an employee she was encouraged to return for more years. After retiring for the second time she let them know she was remaining retired.

Brenda was a world traveler. She loved cruises, exploring new places and new things. Some of her travels included Africa, Paris, London, Cuba and various other destinations. Brenda truly believed in fulfilling the wishes on her bucket list.

Brenda was preceded in death by both parents. She leaves to cherish her memory; two adored uncles, Joe (Sharon) Ware of St. Louis, MO and O.B. (Carrie) Ware of Little Rock, AR; two brothers, Lon (Karen) Ware of Arkadelphia, AR and Marvin (Kyoko) Ware of San Jacento, CA; three sisters, Irene Bowman of Midwest City, OK, Phyllis Tidwell of Hot Springs, AR and Susan Ware Lanham, MD. She also eaves a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly; last but not least, Brenda leave her true lifelong friends, Verlie, Lexus, Annette and the other Brenda’s.

Submitted by the Ware Family

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Jamal Brown, officiating.