Obituary of Brenda Joyce Wickenden

Brenda Joyce Morris Wickenden passed away at Hope Hospice House in Lehigh Acres, Florida on July 15, 2015. Born in Walhalla, South Carolina on July 13, 1940, Brenda was the daughter of Frances Reid Morris and the late Bunk Morris. Brenda is survived by her husband of 53 years, Michael A. Wickenden, and their two children: Keith (Kit) Wickenden of Naples, Florida and Karen (Kevin) Artone of Centreville, Virginia.; as well as her grandchildren Spencer Wickenden of Jacksonville, Florida, Shea Wickenden of Naples, Florida, and Kyle, Kolby and Kendall Artone of Centreville, Virginia. She is also survived by her brother John (Linda) Morris of Starkville, Mississippi. Brenda was predeceased by her infant son Kirk. Brenda was known to her friends in LaBelle as a woman of strong character and tireless devotion to her family and community. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of LaBelle for which she worked tirelessly in numerous areas of ministry. "Ms. Brenda" rarely missed an opportunity to serve the Lord including volunteering for Vacation Bible School, Judgment House, the annual Pumpkin Patch, working with the ladies of the church planning showers and other social events and rocking babies in the nursery. Brenda attended the Carolina School of Commerce where she completed a Private Secretarial Course that she used to serve as the church secretary for 15 years, and continued as a finance volunteer until her death. Brenda was an active member of the Caloosahatchee Charter Chapter of the American Business Women's Association for 35 years. She served as a chapter officer, was on the Little Miss LaBelle committee and volunteered at all the chapter's functions including the Swamp Cabbage food booth. She was Woman of the Year more than once, was the Southwest Council's Woman of the Year and was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Southwest Council. Brenda was a member of the Swamp Cabbage Festival committee and was a board member for several years. She also participated in LaBelle's Relay for Life events as a team member and fundraiser. Brenda enjoyed traveling and felt especially blessed to travel to the Holy Land and walk where Jesus walked. She was especially blessed to reconfirm her faith by baptism. Brenda loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. One of her greatest pleasures was spending time with her grandchildren and watching them participate in all of their activities. She was so proud of all of them, and was able to attend Spencer's graduation from Florida State University in May 2015. Go Noles! Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of LaBelle, LaBelle with Rev. Frank Deerey Jr. officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday 1 hour prior to service at First Baptist Church of LaBelle, LaBelle, FL. A graveside service will be held on Saturday July 25, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Oconee Memorial Park Cemetery in Seneca, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First Baptist Church of LaBelle Building Fund, 330 N. Main St., LaBelle, FL 33935