Brenda Joyce Williams Murray, age 81, passed peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Commonwealth Senior Living, Leigh Hall, in Norfolk, Virginia. She was a sweet, quiet soul known for her beautiful smile, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born on October 1, 1944, in Norfolk, Virginia, Brenda was the daughter of James J. Williams and Eva M. Northern. She attended Norfolk Public Schools, including Ruffner Junior High School, where she was involved with the school newsletter as a writer for “The Happenings”, and Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1962, where she was named Miss Tau Beta Sigma.

Brenda earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1966 from Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina. During her college years, she was honored as Miss Saint Augustine’s College and pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Rho Chapter, in 1963.

After college, Brenda began her career in the federal government with the U.S. Department of Commerce. She later continued her federal service with the U.S. Department of Labor as a Labor Analyst, retiring after more than 35 years of dedicated service. After retirement she worked in the Registrar’s office at Prince George Community College.

Brenda enjoyed her work as a Mary Kay Consultant and regularly attended regional conferences in Texas and national events in Las Vegas. She was especially proud of winning a car at a regional conference in Texas, along with the many awards she earned through her dedication and enthusiasm.

She also enjoyed hand dancing lessons, pokeno parties, reading, and hosting Tupperware parties. Brenda loved to eat and was known for her homegrown zucchini, which often became zucchini bread shared with family and friends. Her sons fondly remember her three-bean salad, zucchini bread, grandma stew, and Tidewater Virginia yock.

Brenda and her brother Roddy were traveling companions who regularly attended Richardson family reunions in Hollister, North Carolina, as well as Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe Pow Wows.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Steven Murray (Veda) and Justin Murray; five grandchildren, DeMarco (Artecia), Marleisha, Kayla, Jamie, and Cameron; and two great-grandchildren, Kamari and Avoni.

She is also survived by her brother, Eric Northern (Samantha); sister, Michele McCoy (James); Sister In Law, Shirley Northern (Rodrick deceased); first cousins, Patricia Cole, Margaret Wells, and Helene Gatling; Aunt Catherine Richardson, cousin Rochelle Russell, Nieces, Taylor McCoy, Allison Northern, Tiffany Northern and India Sweetney (Mike); and Nephews, Eric Northern Jr., Quentin Northern, Christopher Carroll, Sean McCoy, Nicolas Twyman and Schuyler Whetstone.

Brenda will also be remembered by Richardson cousins in Halifax and Hollister, North Carolina; Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe relatives; the Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1962, Norfolk, Virginia; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Rho Chapter; Saint Augustine’s College; the Norfolk We Remember (TNWR) family; Cloverdale and Campostella families; the Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall family, especially Dana, Jeff, and Sonya; and an enormous number of friends.

A sincere and special thank you to: (1) Commonwealth Senior Living at Leigh Hall for the may years of love, and care you provided. She received excellent care. (2) Norfolk Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for your support and compassion, (3) Enhabit Hospice for your guidance and direction (4) The Rev. Nelson Mendoza, Old Donation Episcopal Church for providing spiritual support during the last couple of months.

Brenda was predeceased by her former husband, Thomas Murray; her father, James Williams; her mother, Eva Richardson Northern; her stepfather, Paul Northern; her brother, Rodrick Northern; and her beloved dog, Angel.

“Her beautiful smile and gentle spirit will remain in the hearts of all who loved her.”