BREWSTER, N.Y. — Brenda Kay (Smith) Elkins, 62, of Brewster, formerly of Gallia County, passed away Aug. 11, 2015, at her home.
She was born April 8, 1953, in Gallipolis, daughter of Marvella Smith Derenge, who survives her, and the late Larry Smith.
She was a graduate of Gallia Academy High School, Class of 1971; University of Rio Grande, Class of 1974; and University of Dayton, Class of 1986, with a Master’s degree as a reading specialist K-12. Brenda was a math teacher at Pawling Middle School, Pawling, N.Y. She was a delegate for NYS Teachers Retirement System Delegate/Alternate. She enjoyed educational trips with students to expose them to historical and cultural arts and sciences and innovative technologies. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Brenda loved traveling (camping), music (concerts) and reading. She was a hardworking and devoted single mother, loving and involved daughter, grandmother and a dedicated teacher/educator. Brenda’s family was her life. “Every child has a voice, and every voice deserves to be heard.”
Surviving are her partner in life, Joe Cerqueria, of Brewster; three children and their spouses, Brooke (Elkins) and Brigham Stoerkel, of Gahanna, Ohio, Brent and Christine Elkins, of Summersville, W.Va., and Jason and Stephanie Elkins, of Honolulu, Hawaii; 11 grandchildren: Haley Elkins, Mason Elkins, Rieley-Eden Elkins, Jaxen Stoerkel, Mya Stoerkel, Taytum Elkins, Caroline Elkins, Brantley Elkins, Natalia Elkins, Weston Elkins and Lara Elkins; and her mother, Marvella Derenge, of Apple Grove, W.Va.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Point Pleasant, W.Va., with Father Prakash Sebastian as officiant. Burial will follow in Kirkland Memory Gardens. Friends may call Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis, between 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015o. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m.
Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.
