Mrs. Brenda Joyce Charles
November 29, 1954 – February 20, 2021
These few words barely scratch the surface when one attempts to describe the true essence of Sister Brenda Joyce Mitchell Charles. These few words barely scratch the surface when one attempts to describe the true essence of Sister Brenda Joyce Mitchell Charles.
Our hearts were filled with sadness when Sis. Brenda journeyed to her heavenly home on Saturday, February 20, 2021.
The sorrow we felt when she left this earth contrasts with the emotions Reverend Percy and Helen Mitchell felt when God blessed them with their beautiful angel on November 29, 1954.
In 1959, the Mitchell family moved from Buna, TX to Beaumont, TX. There, Brenda received her primary and secondary education, and successfully concluded her high school years as a Cum Laude graduate of French High School in 1973. After obtaining her nursing degree from Lamar University, Brenda worked at Baptist Hospital as a LVN in Labor and Delivery. Her thirst for knowledge led her to receive her bachelor’s degree from Lamar University in 2006.
At an early age, Sis. Brenda accepted Christ and was a faithful member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, which was under the leadership of Revered J.B. Norman. As a young adult, she joined Starlight Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas, which was under the leadership of Reverend McCarthy. After many years, Sis. Brenda returned to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, which is currently being led by Revered Oveal Walker III.
In 1978, Brenda began her journey with the United States Postal Service where she remained thirty-eight years. She diligently served as president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Beaumont Chapter from 1999 until retirement in 2016. Brenda, AKA Johnnie Cochran, as she was affectionately called, served as a tenacious “Chief Steward” and was known for never losing a case. After retirement, Brenda remained a consultant for the union and she worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
On July 27, 1985, Brenda was united in holy matrimony with Mr. Joseph Ervin Charles Jr. She was many things to many people, but her children and grandchildren will always remember her as Mamma, Mamma Brenda, Maw Maw, and Granny Brenda; a caring soul who loved them unconditionally.
Her desire to be a woman of excellence was fueled by her willingness to put God first. A priceless jewel to many, Brenda selflessly served others with a pure heart of gold. Without question, Brenda left an indelible mark on those she encountered in all aspects of her life. One of her missions was to make sure that everyone knew about Christ, and she wanted everyone to know that she knew this earth was her temporary home. Her goal was to get to a place where the streets are paved with gold and a place where there is no sickness or sadness.
Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Percy and Helen Mitchell; her brother, Paul Mitchell; and sisters, Gwendolyn Grays and Diane Devaughn.
Cherishing her loving memory are her husband, Joseph Ervin Charles Jr.; sons, Ketih Chisom Jr. and Elleston Rogers; daughter, Candice Russell (Reggie); mother-in-law, Ella Mae Charles; siblings, Deloris Pollard, Claude Mitchell, Debra Hickman (Alvin), Jacqueline Samuel (Jackie Ray), Phyllis Wycoff (Vincent), and Mark Mitchell (Carla); six grandchildren, Reginald Russell III, Dylan Russell, Londynn Chisom, Mya Russell, Chloe Russell, and Keith Chisom III; Godson, Ian Devaughn. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, brothers-in law, sisters-in-law, cousins, church family, and friends.
