Brenda L. Stephens

Brenda Louise Stephens was the first daughter of John and Mildred Hollis, both parents have preceded her in death. She was born on October 19, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Brenda's early education began in the Philadelphia public school system at the Blankenburg Elementary school. Later she transferred to Our Mother of Sorrows catholic school. She graduated high school from Bishop Neuman Business School and shortly after she pursued a career in cosmetology at the Apex Beauty School. Upon completion of that program, Brenda was licensed and worked at the family business as one of the lead stylists at Mildred's Beauty Salon in West Philadelphia. To further her business education she was enrolled and attended the University of Penn Entrepreneurial Training Program at Wharton Business School.

She was formerly married to Raymond Stephens and from that union were born two sons, Damin and Quincy. Her desire to have a daughter was fulfilled when she gave birth to Kimberly in 1980.

Brenda was an unwavering Christian who loved the Lord and as an adult was a member and/or affiliated with Mount Sinai, New Joy Missionary Baptist Church and Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church.

Brenda was a colorful person who loved deeply and extended herself to her family and friends. She travelled extensively throughout the states and the Caribbean. An avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, she would cheer for them each week, win or lose. In 2015, Brenda was honored as Chapter Godmother of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for her dedication of service.

She had several memorable nicknames but her most precious ones are "Mom" to her children, "Best Friend" to her grandchildren, and "Sister" to so many.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son Damin and his partner Jumoke Edwards, her son and daughter-in-law Quincy and Kia Stephens, her daughter and son-in-law Kimberly and Donovan Fairfax, her sister Angela Hollis, and her brother Lawrence Windley, two aunts Lynn and Mary Windley, grandchildren, Iman, Mehkhi, Naseer, Briahana, and adopted grandchildren Stephon, Niji-tay, and Justus, close cousins, Sandra and Clayton Wiggins, Deborah Clyne and her longstanding sister-friends, Geraldine Brooks, Sylvia (Johnson) Green, Carolyn Marsh and Betty Smith and host of loving family and friends.

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