C EL EBRATION OF L IF E SER V ICE for
July 20, 1955
Monday, December 29, 2025 11:00AM Beulah Missionary Baptist Church 2340 Clifton Springs Road Decatur, Georgia 30034 The Reverend Dr. Jerry D. Black, Pastor, Officiant
December 17, 2025
in lov ing m em ory Ms. Brenda Yvonne Thomas, age 70, of Atlanta, Georgia, peacefully entered eternal rest on December 17, 2025. Brenda was born on July 20, 1955, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta to the late James Minter and Jeanette Allison. She lived a life marked by faith, service, and a deep love for family and community. Brenda graduated from Woodward High School in 1974, where she shined as a gifted athlete, excelling in basketball, track and field, and bowling. Her dedication continued beyond high school as she pursued higher education at Kansas Technical Institute in Topeka, Kansas, earning a degree in accounting. Brenda devoted many years of professional service to Blue Cross and Blue Shield; after returning to Atlanta, she would continue her career at MetLife Insurance, where she would eventually retire following years of faithful and diligent work. Faith and Salvation were the foundation of Brenda’s life. She accepted Christ at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio, under the loving guidance of her grandfather, Pastor W. L. Barnes. Music was one of her greatest joys, and she shared her beautiful voice as a member of the church choir and later the Toledo Angelic Choir. In 1987, Brenda made her home in Topeka, Kansas, where she united with New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Cecil T. Washington. There, she served faithfully in the Adult Choir and was an active member of the Sisters in Christ group, singing alongside her beloved sister Judy and dear lifelong friends Shirley and Jeanelle Byrd. Brenda also found joy in fellowship through the Matrons Ministry and the church softball team. In 1993, Brenda relocated to Atlanta and became a devoted member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jerry D. Black. She lovingly shared her voice and spirit with the Jerry D. Black Senior Choir, remaining committed until her health no longer permitted her to sing. Brenda was preceded in death by her grandfather, Pastor W. L. Barnes; her grandmother, Osie Barnes; her sister, Judy Rice; and her brothers, Larry Minter and Michael Barlow. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her three beloved children: Bobby Thomas (Paula), Berdale Thomas, and BTrina Washington; seven brothers: Greg Minter (Jeanie), Raynard Minter, Gary Minter, Robert Minter (Akunde), Patrick Minter, Victor Minter, and Gary Minter; and two sisters, Angie Smith (Beany) and Patrice Minter-Smith. She was a loving grandmother to five grandchildren—Shai’kese, Dondre, McKayla, Auston, and Maliq—and a proud great-grandmother to Charleigh and Navauri. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
Prelude Processional Musical Selection……………………“Wind Beneath My Wings”……………….Antonio Allen Saxophonist, Jazz Artist Scripture Readings Old Testament……………………………………………………. Reverend Mark A. Seals New Testament………………………………………………...Reverend Laurence Parison Prayer of Comfort ………………………………………………………Reverend Cortez Harris Tributes of Remembrance (three minutes please) Sister Barbara Ann Davis Brother Earnest “Chip” Norman Sister Kimberley Seals Musical Selection……………………“For Every Mountain”……….......Sister Fernetra Bryant Eulogy…………………………………………………………...........Reverend Jerry D. Black, Sr. Pastor, Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Acknowledgements Recessional……………………......... “Thank You”…………………….............Sister Angela Bess First Servant, New Commandment Christian Church Atlanta, Georgia Postlude
a private service will be held at a later date with immediate family only.
family and friends will gather immediately following the service in the Mary White Carlton Fellowship Hall Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
Services entrusted to
1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW Atlanta, Georgia 30310 (404) 758-1731 www.williewatkins.com