Ms. Brenda J. Rainey

On August 29, 1947 Berea Ohio received a new citizen, Brenda Joyce Rainey. She was the second daughter of William and Fannie Rainey. There also to welcome her arrival was her big sister Carol Jean also known as “Billie Jean”. The family relocated to Brooklawn Ave. to the home that was custom built for them by their father and friends. While Brenda received a portion of her education in the Berea School System, the majority of her education was in the Cleveland Public Schools. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1965. After graduation, she attended Kent State University and is notably recognized in the Kent State archives for the 1970 riots. The following year she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. Brenda was known to say, she didn’t have to graduate Summa Cum Laude, she graduated “Magna Thank you Lordy”. Brenda’s entire professional teaching career was at one school. Over the years the school was renamed several times: Hicks Elementary, Hicks Montessori and finally H. Barbara Booker Montessori. Brenda’s years of teaching included an adjunct professorship sponsored by Cleveland State University. Her years of teaching in public education spanned from 1969 to 2001, a total of 32 years. As a master teacher, Brenda inspired, instructed and mentored a “village”. Everywhere she went she was recognized and embraced by former students. Brenda was baptized in Jesus Name at an early age and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at The Pentecostal Church of Christ under the Pastorate of Bishop Charles W. Watkins. She served faithfully under five pastors: Evangelist Claudia Rae, Dr. Earl Fisher, Bishop Charles Watkins, Bishop J. Delano Ellis II, and Dr. Sabrina J. Ellis. Under Bishop Watkins, Brenda was a dedicated member serving as the Vice President and then the President of the Youth Department. She sang with The Ambassadors, The Pentecostal Singers, The Pentecostal Mass Choir, and The Women’s Choir. In addition, she was one of the radio announcers for “The Sound of Pentecost” on WABQ, and a church announcer for many years. Brenda was an active member of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. serving the Ohio District Council. She sang with the Northern District and the Ohio State Choirs. She served in the International Pentecostal Young People’s Union under three administrations: Bishop Howard Tillman, Bishop Wesley Weeks and Bishop Norman L. Wagner. She was the Chairperson of the Election Committee, and the Head Cashier of the Registration Staff. She worked in the Treasurer’s office under Bishop Howard Tillman. On the National level, she was a member of the Board of Directors for the International Music and Scared Arts Department under Bishop Charles Watkins. At her local church, under Bishop and Pastor Ellis, she was a Deacon. She also served in many other capacities, including member of the Scholarship Committee, Coordinator of the Mother’s Board, and Co-Chair of the Finance Committee. Brenda could be counted on by every auxiliary for her support. She was generous to a fault, always looking out for others. Her inspirational work is recognized in the book “And They Overcame...” edited by Dr. Sabrina Ellis. With all Brenda had on her plate, she still made time for family. On April 21, 1984 she officially adopted Rosalyn Jean and on March 24, 1989, Marsha Jeanette was added to the family. Brenda Joyce loved to travel, and on Wednesday March 7, 2018 at 5:40 A.M. at Altercare, Saint Joseph she took her ultimate flight when she was promoted to Glory. Preceding her in death were her parents, William and Fannie Rainey, her grandparents and her nephew, Kevin Russell. She leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her passing two daughters, Rosalyn Jean and Marsha Jeanette; one sister Carol Jean (Richard); two grandchildren, Mariah and Elijah; one niece, Mya Kelley (Elder Clifford); one nephew, Kelly (Elisa); four great nieces, Erin, Amber, Kevonia and Kellie Sheree; one great nephew, CJ; three great-great nieces, Elise, Sisonke and Jaleyah; and a host of extended family and close, close friends.

Ms. Brenda J. Rainey

August 29, 1947 - March 7, 2018