Brenda Darlene Hicks, a beacon of love and kindness, whose faith-filled heart touched the lives of many, departed from this world on October 2, 2024, in her beloved hometown of Tampa, Florida. Born in Tampa on April 7, 1960. She was a faithful member of New Friendship Missionary Batist Church for 5 years under, Rev. Kendrix Gardner. Brenda's journey was one filled with the warmth of family, the joy of cooking, and the dedication to making a difference in the lives she encountered. Brenda's life was a testament to the power of love and perseverance.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Bennie and Ernestine Hicks; grandparents, Samuel, Sr. and Linnie Burkes; brothers, Larry Lee, Sr. and Kashawn Hicks; sisters, Leola and Joanne Hicks; uncles, Nathaniel Lawrence, Willie Washington, and Samuel Burkes, Jr.; and niece, Joy McGill. Their memories remained a guiding light throughout her life. The legacy of Brenda's love and spirit lives on through her daughter, Delores Hicks; granddaughters, Remesia Bulmer and Destiny Hicks; great-grandchildren, Darrius, Jr., Drayden, and Sariya; brothers, Tony, Sr. (Annette), Carl, Sr. (Carolyn), Jeffery, Sr., Darryl, Sr., and Michael Sr. (Jacqueline); aunt, Elaine Gilmore; uncle, Ronald Burkes (Carlita); her many cherished nieces and nephews; her special cousin, Aletha Anderson; her close friends, Clarence Crawford, the entire McBerry family, Patricia Knight, Deacon Clark, Sara Colbert and Mary Jenkins; and a host of extended family and friends who were touched by her generosity and compassion.

For over 30 years, Brenda's culinary talents graced the kitchens of St. Francis Nursing Home, St. Matthews, and later New Friendship Child Development Centers. As a chef, she not only nourished bodies but also souls, infusing her dishes with the same love and care she gave to all aspects of her life. Her colleagues and those she served became an extended family, united by Brenda's unwavering commitment to service and her infectious joy. Brenda's life was a living example of the adage that kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. She lived her faith not just in words, but in deeds, always ready with a warm smile, a comforting hug, or a hearty meal. Her presence was a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew her, and her influence extended far beyond the walls of her home and workplace. As we celebrate Brenda Darlene Hicks' remarkable life, we are reminded that the true measure of a person is not in the wealth they accumulate, but in the hearts they touch.

Brenda's life was rich in relationships, love, and the joy she brought to others. In every encounter, she left a mark of kindness, a legacy that will outlive her in the stories that will continue to be told and the memories that will be cherished. Let us honor Brenda's memory by embracing the values she embodied: love without limits, faith that moves mountains, and kindness that knows no boundaries. She showed us that every day is an opportunity to make a difference, to be a light in someone's life, and to leave the world a little better than we found it. As we bid farewell to Brenda Darlene Hicks, let us not say goodbye but rather let us carry her spirit within us, spreading the love and joy she so freely gave. Her journey on earth has ended, but her story continues in each life she has influenced. May we all find comfort in knowing that Brenda's love remains with us, as enduring as the stars, guiding us through the night until we meet again.