With great sorrow and much love, we mourn the sudden and unexpected passing of our dearly beloved Bren. Brenda Lee Williams was born on August 13, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, to James Williams and Sarah Sutton Williams. She was their only child. Tragically, her father died in a fatal accident when Brenda was only eight months old. She spent her formative years surrounded by the love of her mother, Sarah; her aunts, Minnie Copeland and Jessie Gates; and her first cousins, Dorretha Balfour, Rochelle Webb, and Howard Copeland Jr.
Although Brenda did not have a regular church home while growing up in Chicago, she often attended services with her Big Mama Beatrice. During return visits to Chicago, Bren also attended revival services at Trinity United Church of Christ, where she especially enjoyed hearing the Rev. Frederick D. Haynes preach.
Brenda was educated in Chicago, attending Wadsworth Elementary School and Chicago Vocational High School before continuing her studies at Chicago State University. It was during her freshman year of high school that she met her dear friend Cheryl. The two later attended college together, enjoyed shopping and good times, and remained close – true “Ace Boon” friends – even after Brenda moved to Louisiana. Their final conversation, held on the Monday before Brenda transitioned, lasted for hours.
Following college, Brenda answered her calling to become an educator. She began teaching in the Chicago Public School System and continued her career after relocating to Louisiana. With a deep love for children and a passion for teaching, Brenda devoted 30 years to education, including many meaningful years with the Rapides Parish School Board at Cherokee Elementary School, from which she retired. Her quiet dedication touched generations of students, families, and fellow educators.
In the early 1980s, Brenda met Esaw Owens Sr. in Chicago. The couple later married and moved to Natchez, Mississippi, before settling in Alexandria, Louisiana. Their union was blessed with a precious son, Esaw Owens II, whom Brenda loved with all her heart and soul. Her Chicago family and friends could hardly wait to hold and play with him, while his grandmother Sarah affectionately called him “Pumpkin.” Brenda’s tender care became a cherished family memory: after bathing or changing him, she would lovingly cover him in oil or lotion and finish with Johnson’s Baby Powder. The family teased that she was overdoing it, but Bren, true to herself, always did things her own way. Even after Brenda and Esaw Sr. divorced, they remained friends and devoted parents to their son. Brenda later married Macan Smith.
In later years, she found renewed joy and fellowship through Seniors Having Fun at Zion Hill.
As deeply as Brenda adored her son, the joy of her life was her grandson, Braylon. Through the many pictures she shared and the stories she told, everyone knew how proud she was of him. She delighted in his intelligence, his dedication to completing his homework, the awards and certificates he earned, and each new accomplishment. Affectionately known as “The Little Professor,” Braylon held an especially treasured place in his grandmother’s heart.
Brenda also loved going to the movies, traveling, shopping, and spending time with those she loved. She was quiet, generous, warm, and a joy to be around. Her gentle presence, caring spirit, and steadfast love for family and friends will be deeply missed in both Chicago and Alexandria.
On August 26, 2026, Brenda began a new life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sarah Williams; her former husband and devoted co-parent, Esaw Owens Sr.; her sister, Annette; her grandparents; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a host of devoted friends.
Brenda’s life will be lovingly remembered by her son, Esaw Owens II; her grandson, Braylon; her sister, Mary; her stepsisters; her special cousins, Dorretha, Rochelle, Nicolle, Jerome, and Jason; her niece, Kim; her dear friends, Cheryl, Amber, and Dian; a loving family of in-laws; many former co-workers and students; and a wide circle of relatives and friends in Chicago and Alexandria.
Brenda was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and teacher. She will remain forever in our hearts.
She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Proverbs 3:15