Brenda Evans Mims

On July 15, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York, (the late) Carrie Lee Cox and Lenwood Evans welcomed Brenda Evans into the world.  Brenda was the youngest of three children amongst Carolyn Wilson and (the late) Lenwood Evans, Jr.  Brenda was a true Brooklynite and lived in Crown Heights for the majority of her life.  Through her first marriage, she produced her two sons: Robert and Brendan. 

Brenda attended New York City public schools graduating from Erasmus Hall High School. She had a passion for teaching, and graduated in 1970 from City College with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.  Brenda and her college group of lifelong friends advocated for civil rights and the advancement of Black and brown people. She taught and served students at numerous NYC public schools; however her time at JHS 258 was where she made lasting friendships. Through a mutual love of bowling, Brenda met James Jackson who was not only her bowling partner, but her partner in life. 

Brenda went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education from New York University.  She believed in the power of education, advocacy, and having a voice. Brenda was the first person in her family to graduate from college and set the bar for the family.  At the end of her career, she became an educational evaluator, diagnosing students that potentially needed additional services.
 
Brenda enjoyed spending time in the Poconos, Atlantic City, and traveling the world.  She loved views of mountains, rivers and the ebb and flow of ocean waves.  She loved to entertain and had a life-of-the-party aura that was infectious and authentic. “Let’s get it started!” was one of her classic catch phrases followed up by rhythmic dance moves. Brenda loved music, dancing, eating good food, and most of all she loved to love.

Brenda believed in serving other people and touched many lives during her lifetime.  She will be remembered for her loving spirit and her service to others, which spanned from family members to absolute strangers. There was nothing that impeded Brenda from doing what she wanted, especially when it pertained to showing her love and supporting others.

Brenda is survived by her partner James; her sons: Robert and Brendan; daughter-in-law Nadezhda; granddaughters: Blake and Bryce; her sister Carolyn Wilson; first cousin Sharon Greene; nephews: Darryl, Maurice and Malik; niece Yolanda; great-nieces: Tanisha, Daija, Dana, Chamiya and Kori Ann; great-nephews: Jared and Joshua; cousins: LaShoin, Khesani, Prince, Amir and Zoe; amongst many other family members.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.