Brenda Kay (Smith) Elkins

Brenda Kay (Smith) Elkins, 62, of Brewster, New York, formerly of Gallia County, passed away on August 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 Masters degree as a Reading Specialist K-12. Brenda was a Math teacher at Pawling Middle School, Pawling, NY. 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, NY; her three children and spouses, Brooke (Elkins) and Brigham Stoerkel of Gahanna, Ohio, Brent and Christine Elkins of Summersville, West Virginia, 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, West Virginia. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 17, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia with Father Prakash Sebastian as officiant. Burial will follow in Kirkland Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2015 at the Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis, Ohio. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m.