Ms. Brenda Shermona Peaks

Brenda Shermona Kasey Peaks was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 29, 1942. She was the third of five children born to the late John and Wilhelmina Kasey. She departed this life on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Brenda was raised in Roanoke, Virginia, where she received her formal education and attended Lucy Addison High School. In 1958, after graduating a year early, she entered her beloved Hampton University where she excelled in her studies. In 1962, she graduated from Hampton University with honors with a degree in Early Childhood Education and started her 40-year career as an educator. During her career, she held the positions of classroom teacher, gifted teacher, assistant principal, building principal, and Title 1 Coordinator. Brenda continued teaching after relocating to Ohio. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Soon after, was named assistant principal at Franklin Elementary School in Elyria, Ohio. A few years later, she was promoted to building principal at Cascade Elementary School. It was here that she led her school to receive many honors, grants, and awards. After 40 years in education, Brenda retired but continued supporting the school system as a Title 1 Coordinator and later as an Independent Education Management Professional where she put on various professional development classes and workshops. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling to visit her family and friends. She loved visiting with her children, loving on her grands, chatting with her sister Janice, attending Hampton University activities, and working to give back to the community through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Brenda worked with her class and alumni affairs at Hampton to build a legacy and embrace the future. She attended many fundraisers to raise money for the school and make an impact in the life of deserving students. She was in yearly attendance at the Legacy Blue Gala and Ladies who Lunch. She was serious about #PiratePride. She was a proud, active, and financial member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was inducted by the Delta Lambda Youngstown Chapter in 1971 and a charter member of the Elyria Lorain Alumnae Chapter. The Elyria Lorain Alumnae Chapter is where she spent the majority of her Delta years. She is a Diamond Life Member, served two terms as chapter president, and led many other committees over the years. Her love was Delta Academy and Delta Gems. She enjoyed working with African American young ladies to help develop their academic, social, and career skills. She was an avid reader and loved visiting bookstores in search for new reading material. In 2011, Brenda decided to move to Georgia to be closer to family. In her new city, she enjoyed decorating her condo, making new friends, doing activities with her grands, and working as secretary for her HOA. Brenda absolutely loved her family. Spending time with them and creating memories was very important to her. She enjoyed watching her grandsons play soccer, baseball, and basketball. She loved listening to them play their musical instruments in the band, and receive awards at school. She loved watching Morgan dance in her recitals. Traveling to Roanoke, Virginia, for Thanksgiving / Family Reunions was an absolute favorite family activity of hers. She taught us to live the story that brings us immense joy and fulfillment, spend our finite time with the people we love most, have compassion for others, be dedicated to life’s journey, and to believe! Our family is forever thankful, grateful, and blessed to have had her with us. She was an amazing mom, Gram / Peaksy, sister, aunt, friend, and Soror. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, John Bernard Kasey, Sr., and Wilhelmina Marie Carter Kasey; siblings Helen Kasey Franklin, Janice Kasey Burks, Lena Kasey Meekins, and John B. (Johnny) Kasey, Jr.; brothers-in-law James W. Burks, Jr. and Charles A. Franklin, Sr. niece Cheryl Franklin; nephews Charles A. Franklin and Dr. C. Robert Chambliss, Jr. Brenda is survived by her children, Mark (Stephanie) Peaks, and Tara (Roderick) Peaks Sanders; Nephews Daryl (Danielle) Burks, Tracy McShepard; Nieces Dana Franklin Chambliss, Stefanie (Ray) McShepard Smith; Grandchildren Warner Peaks, William Peaks, Wade Peaks, Connor Sanders, and Morgan Sanders; Great Nephew Blaine (Alonnia) Franklin, Kimberly Peaks Estelle, and a host of other relatives and special friends.

Tributes

Ms. Brenda Shermona Peaks

March 29, 1942 - April 17, 2024