Brenda Joyce Brawner Harper,affectionately known as BJ,was a faithful and active member of WSFirst Church.

Born on August 3, 1942, in Augusta, Georgia,and peacefully departed this life on September 16, 2025,in Winston­ Salem, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Brawner and Elizabeth Stallings Brawner Jennings; her sister, Robbistein Jennings; her cousin, Kenneth Stallings;and her great-grandchild, Soniya Newsome.

Throughout her life, BJ shared her remarkable voice in countless ways through worship services, weddings,funerals,and special occasions for family and friends. Her music was not only her passion but also her ministry, touching hearts and creating cherished memories for all who heard her sing.

Brenda graduated from Lucy C. Laney High School, class of 1961 in Augusta, Georgia. She was employed at Baptist Hospital and later retired at WS Healthcare. She enjoyed traveling and taking road trips

She leaves to cherish her memory to her devoted husband, Henry L. Harper,and her beloved children:daughters Sonya Smallwood of Winston-Salem and LaVonya(Dwayne) Washington of Pfafftown, NC;sons Darryl Simmons of Winston-Salem, Minister Juacquinn(Kamala) Smith of Wimauma, FL, Christopher(Katina)Lowe Jr. of Winston­Salem, and Henry L. Harper II of Winston-Salem. She also leaves behind her adopted son, Herman Boykins of Win s ton-Sa lem,and goddaughter, Sonia Pope-Jackson(Kevin) of Loganville, GA.

She was a proud grandmother of eight: Reverend Deron Simmons of Atlanta, GA; Denia Simmons of Charlotte, NC; Diane Newsome of Greenville, NC; Charity Smith of Florida; Jasmine Smith of Winston-Salem; Ryan Farley of Decatur, GA; and Alecia and Nicholas Washington of Pfafftown, NC. Her love extended to six great-grandchildren: Demarae Simmons, Dejwaun Newsome, Demaiyah Simmons, Nhari Newsome,and Trevion Newsome. Three great­ great-grandchildren, Javaree Rahmyr Newsome, Shammohd Riches Sallah, and Daiya Monique Robinson­ Newsome.

She is also survived by two loving uncles, Kenny(Gayle)Brawner of New York, NY,and Carvin Brawner of Augusta, GA. BJ's extended family includes brothers-in-law George(Barbara)Lyons of Bolivia, NC, Clayborn(Carolyn) Harper of Pfafftown, NC,and Jim(Robbie)Jordan of Wichita Falls, TX. her sister-in-law, Minister Deborah Hauser Odom of Winston-Salem. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews,cousins, and extended family in Augusta and New York.

BJ's circle of love included her two"Amigos,"Sally(Cookie) Kennedy and Debra Ebron, and her devoted fri e nd s Quida Pippins of Augusta, GA; Rev. Dr. Christopher Eugene Lowe Sr. of Augusta, GA; and Ronza W. Hankinson of Augusta, GA.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Pastor Rev. Dr. Allen (Hashmareen) Griffin,th e pastoral staff, and members of WSFirst. Special gratitude is also given to the Heart Failure Staff of Novant Health, Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem, the Ladies of Jefferson Ridge Community, Jon McCollum and the Piedmont Triad Chapter of the American Red Cross, Nancy Boyd Reid, Robert Ellis, Sister B e tty Thomas, Dr. Sharon Ali, Debra Lucky, Carol Martin, Donnell and Vickie Ziglar, Dr. Sam and Sylvia Hall, and Dean and Robin Vick for their loving care and support.

BJ's life was one of faith, love,and service. She will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother,and friend whose legacy of music,faith,and love will continue to inspire all who knew h e r.

Funeral service for Mrs. Harper will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at WS First. The family will greet friends at 10:00 AM. She will be publicly viewed on Friday, September 26 from 12:00 PM ~ 6:00 PM at the funeral home.