Brenda Cody

Brenda Cody Obituary Brenda Lorraine Cody was born July 20, 1947 to Charles Henry and Phoebe Betty Pearson in Cleveland, Ohio. She was their first born of three children. Brenda grew into an independent, resolute, beautiful woman. She was a mentor, motivator and fearless combatant on behalf of her brothers, cousins, and friends. Brenda’s love of competition prevailed in academics, dance, sports, fashion design & sewing, and later modeling. Her professional development began at John Adams High School in 1962. The year of 1965 was rewarding for Brenda. She graduated from two institutions: Dyke College and Arthur Jon’s Modeling School. Brenda became a professional model, executive secretary, and wife to James Cody in 1969. Three years later, she became the mother of Dana. Brenda worked diligently as an executive secretary and transitioned into the world of Sales & Marketing for Eastman Kodak Company. During her 22-year career with Kodak, Brenda earned several sales and customer service awards. She enjoyed socializing and contributing to the community at large with her friends associated with the organization, “Our Gang”. She also served the community as a Kappa Alpha Psi Silhouette (National Silhouettes). Brenda’s contributions supported fundraising and awareness for St. Jude Hospital, mental health, and domestic violence. She was always focused and busy but consistently devoted time to her daughter and husband. Brenda had many roles: daughter, sister, friend & protector, model, wife, mother, businesswoman, and community leader. Her most significant role began at her childhood church, Second Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she was baptized. Brenda continued to worship and serve Christ at Affinity Missionary Baptist Church. She completed Moody Bible Study Lessons and theological doctrine studies at Affinity. Brenda’s love of fashion, academics, and modeling persisted. For 25 years, Brenda designed, sewed and hand-stitched her daughter’s Halloween costumes along with many mother-daughter Christmas dresses. Brenda used her executive secretarial skills to review, edit and type political speeches, letters, articles for her husband, James. She did the same for several school papers and assignments for Dana. Later in life, Brenda became first teacher to her grandson, Daniel. Each summer, Daniel attended “G’s Summer School”. He learned reading, writing and arithmetic during the summer break. Brenda enjoyed her life, traveling and living as a snowbird in Florida. She lived according to the Lord’s grace and love. She is survived by her daughter (Dana), grandson (Daniel), and her brothers, Steve (Darlene) and Preston. Preceding her in death are parents (Charles and Phoebe Pearson) and her husband (James). She also leaves to mourn a host of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please send a love gift to: John Adams College & Career Academy (JACCA) ATTN: Kristen Kelly, Principal (216) 838-4000 3817 Martin Luther King Drive Cleveland, OH 44105 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Brenda Cody, please visit our Tree Store. Read More

Brenda Cody

July 20, 1947 - January 11, 2021