Brenda Annette Pone

Brenda Annette Pone born into life June 23, 1952, to Darlene V. Hill and Robert Whitehead. Brenda was the second of four children. Brenda was raised by her Great Aunt Ida B. Pringle whom she loved, cherished and adored.

Brenda grew up on the Southside of Chicago and later moved to Harvey, IL. where she graduated from Thornton Fractional High School. She left Chicago Heights in 1974 to embark on what would be a lifelong career as a member of the United States Air Force. After 18 years of active duty, she continued her service to the USAF as a civilian. After raising her children and finishing her military career she went back to school to finish her education. She received her bachelor degree from Valdosta State University. This was an accomplishment in which she took great pride.

While she took pride in her career,she took even greater pride in her four loving, talented, and beautiful children: Donna, Milton, Enaye, and Marshall. Brenda spoke of them with pride and counted them amongst the greatest blessings of her life. Brenda loved being a grandmother and cherished her grandchildren, Salena, Reagan, Tehja, Caleb, Meseret, Marley, Binyam, Silas, Leyla, Madison, and Brendan. They were her heart.

Brenda leaves behind her children, grandchildren, and her soulmate and husband, Albert “Al” Pone. Over the past 18 years, Al and Brenda built a life and home together. She was eternally grateful for Al’s love, support, and friendship.

As she prepared to leave this life, Brenda left us the following: I had the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest and I have no complaints. God has done an amazingly wonderful job and he never failed me on his promises. He didn’t say life was going to be easy but he did say he would never leave me nor forsake me and I have held on to his unchanging hands.

Brenda taught us all to live life to the fullest, never taking those we love for granted, and having no regrets. She taught us to love, cherish and appreciate family. She admonished us to love God with all your heart, mind, and soul.

While she has left the body, her soul and spirit are forever with us. In peaceful rest, she awaits her reunion with her dearly beloved family and friends.

Brenda is preceded in death by her sister, Adrianne Vanzant. She is survived by her husband, Albert Pone; children, Donna Hill, Milton (Diana) Garland, Enaye (George) Englenton, and Marshall Tarrer; siblings, Vesta Henderson and Robert Hill; grandchildren, Salena, Reagan, Tehja, Caleb, Meseret, Marley, Binyam, Silas, Leyla, Madison and Brendan; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The Celebration of Life for the Late Mrs. Brenda Annette Pone will be Wednesday, August 3, 2016, 11:00AM, from the sanctuary of Southland Church, 2206 E. Hill Avenue, Valdosta, GA.

Minister Amanda Pope, Eulogist.

Interment will be on Friday, August 5, 2016, Oakridge Cemetery, St. Pauls, North Carolina.