Brenda Diane Smalls, 70, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024 at Sentara Leigh Hospital. She was born on October 30, 1953 in Murfreesboro, NC. She was the oldest daughter of the late Richard C. Bynum and Cleoria V. Bynum.
Brenda was known to family members by her middle name “Diane”. Shortly after graduating from I. C. Norcom High School in 1972, she went to work for the General Electric Company for 10 years and subsequently went to the Johnathan Corporation where she worked as an electronic technician. After leaving that employment, she worked as a Nanny in Virginia Beach until she retired.
She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 20, 1973 at the International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in Philadelphia, PA and was a member of the Greenwood Congregation in Portsmouth for many years and the Indian River Congregation in Chesapeake for the last two years. She was a devoted sister and often cited her favorite scripture at Isaiah 41:10, especially as her health declined.
Brenda was known for her excellent cooking skills, interior decorating, and her keen sense of fashion. Throughout her life, she displayed a generous spirit and sought to help those in need. She was known, along with her very close spiritual sister and friend, Bernadette Murrell, for hosting formal gatherings for the friends and luncheons for the elderly friends. She also enjoyed opening up her home as the gathering place for many family events. Brenda was also noted for her heartwarming smile. Those who cared for or visited her found it encouraging to see her still smiling despite her health challenges.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman A. Smalls, Jr. and oldest son, Dominique A. Smalls. She is survived by one son, Kevin Jamal Smalls (Anita), three grandsons, Brandon Parsons, Dontae and Troy Smalls, one brother, Larry Bynum (Lorraine), four sisters, Cindy Williams (Dempsey), Lorraine Wilson, Sylvia Bynum and Muriel Evans (David) and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Our beloved sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend will be greatly missed.
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Alice and James Johnson says
September 16, 2024 at 2:04 pmMay the love of God over shadow you and your family, during this time of such great loss. We pray you will experience the Lord’s love and grace, and that He will strengthen you. We love you.
Kim Rodgers says
September 22, 2024 at 7:44 pmI pray God’s peace, comfort and strength to My Lorraine and her family. Love you ❤️🙏🏾❤️🤗😘🙏🏾
Debbie Scott says
September 24, 2024 at 11:52 amDear Family may knowing others share your loss of Dear Brenda give you a measure of hope and comfort. We love you all. Until he “calls” keep the faith.
The Scotts
Kim Rodgers says
September 22, 2024 at 7:47 pmGod bless you all during this time of your loss. Much love to My Lorraine and her family.
Phyllis says
September 24, 2024 at 9:51 pmOur prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Know that we are with you in sharing your loss and will miss seeing Diane’s beautiful smile at family reunions. Know this “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Sending love and hugs. Your Fruitland,Md. family.
Patricia and Brad Hooker says
September 24, 2024 at 9:55 pmDear Family,
Times like this is never easy. But we know Dear Brenda has finish her race. Now we have to finish ours so we can see her again. It’s sooner than we think. Just hold on, and keep serving Jehovah.
Love you.
Beverly Broadus says
September 25, 2024 at 10:30 pmSo sorry to hear about Sis. Brenda even for the short time. I’ve known her she was such a sweet loving person. Can’t wait for time when we all will see her again. It’s not good bye but we will see her soon.
Felicia Manley says
September 26, 2024 at 4:07 pmMy condolences to the Smalls and Bynum family as well as to my nephew, Brandon Parson.
Senthia Newsome (Bynum family in Pendleton ,Severn and Conway, NC)NC family says
September 27, 2024 at 11:01 amSorry to hear of Diane’s passing. Will always remember her fun and loving spirit at our family gatherings.Just realized it is something we all have to do, just live your life so that you can be where she is.
Cousin,Senthia(Claudine)
Barbara Cross-Jones says
September 30, 2024 at 1:23 amTo the Bynum and Smalls Family,
So sorry to hear of Dianes passing. As Sisters in Jehovah’s Family , we know that she is only asleep until Jesus calls her from the memorial tomb as he promised us He would do. My heart goes out to you and I have you in my prayers.
Agape Love,