Brenda Kay Tennison

Brenda Kay Tennison was a caring daughter, beloved sister, loving mother, devoted aunt, cherished friend, and above all, a child of God. Brenda lived her life in gratitude for the blessings God showered on her. Even in adversity, she lived a life of joy in the Lord. Through her strength and courage, Brenda touched the hearts of many. Brenda Kay was born at a time of optimism when war gave way to peace and civil rights became a dramatic force in U.S. history. Growing families launched the baby boom era and parents worked hard to make a better life for their children. This was true of Morris and Myrtle (Montgomery) Tennison of Paragould, Arkansas who were blessed by the birth of their daughter Brenda Kay on July 24, 1951. Her father farmed in the South before moving the family to Muskegon, Michigan when Brenda was just over a year old. He secured a job with Shaw Walker while Brenda's mother cared for their children at home. Brenda and her sister Dianne were especially close. In fact, they were rarely seen one without the other. Being a rather shy child, Brenda preferred to be in the company of her sister, and the two of them became the best of friends. Their love and enjoyment of one another only grew in adulthood, and they were fond of saying, "We're not growing up, we're just getting older." Brenda did all of her schooling in the North, graduating from Muskegon High School in 1969, but she never lost her deep southern roots. They drew her family home to Arkansas on many visits when she was young. And the values she learned shaped the person Brenda became. She was kind and generous, always sharing what she had in life with others who could use more of the blessings she offered freely. She was gracious in her hospitality that included good-old, down-home, southern cooking (even for her watch dogs, like Quincy, who ate everything!) She was honest and faithful, believing that a handshake meant a promise. Brenda was also caring as a faithful daughter, doting mother, and attentive aunt. When her son Donald was born prematurely, Grandma Myrtle helped with his care. This was a natural response for a grandma, but it also showed the loving mother-daughter bond that does not break. Throughout her life, Brenda made sure her mother was well-cared for. She provided for her family by working at S. D. Warren and spent much of her time enjoying life by doing for others. Brenda's son Don was truly the highlight of her life. He grew up under her wise discipline as well as her sense of humor. In this way, Brenda made life meaningful and sweet. She had a special love for children that extended to her sister Dianne's children and to the foster children that came to live with their family. Brenda's nephews and nieces were always excited to see Aunt Brenda coming. She frequently had a bag for the children that they knew contained special treats. They also loved the time she spent playing board games with them, especially the game Trouble. When two special baby boys came into Brenda's life, she assumed the role of "Granny Brenda" to Keenan James and Charles White. Brenda did for them what a loving grandmother does. She loved her family dearly and showed it by her care and concern for them. Brenda's love of family extended to her friends. In the 20 years she worked for S.D. Warren, she made many lifelong friendships. She especially enjoyed going for coffee or out to eat with her friends Amy, Brenda, Bonnie, Pauline and Maggie. They all looked forward to those visits and were especially delighted to share in Brenda's wonderful sense of humor. She had an energy for life that was infectious. It was inspired by her faith that often times was expressed in music. Brenda loved to sing gospel with her sister Dianne, which at times was belted out with the aid of a Karaoke machine. Her joy in the Lord could not be contained. Brenda's belief in Jesus Christ and her love for the Lord was her greatest joy and strength. Her love for reading led her to books that inspired her to greater devotion. Her skills in needlepoint were a gift of God and her cooking was a gift she offered to God for the care of others. She made special dinners and took food to people who were sick. She tried to help in any way she could. Brenda had spiritual eyes for physical needs. She served God through care and prayer for others. Brenda also served her community through the Greater Muskegon Woman's Club and the local church. She remained a very active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church even when illness struck. Brenda was forced to retire in 2003 to undergo dialysis treatment for kidney disease, but throughout her illness, she remained an inspiration to all who knew her. Brenda was over overjoyed to learn that that her son Don was a perfect match for her kidney transplant! She considered this a blessing from God and lived all the days of her life as a gift from God. Brenda Kay Tennison , age 55, left this world in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 24, 2007. She is survived by her son, Donald McGraw of Muskegon; sister, Dianne Buck and Tom Serio of Muskegon; nieces and nephews, Shanna, Krishlynn, Ryan, Billy and Stevie Buck, Tommy Serio, Ed and Dean Tennison and families; special friends, Keenan James and Charles White and best friend Brenda Goryl. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother and brother, Donald Tennison. A service to celebrate Brenda's life will be held Thursday, March 29, 2007, 11:00 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Rev. Karen Biggerstaff officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends and relative may meet the family on Wednesday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home~Muskegon. Memorial contributions made to American Cancer Society or Kidney Foundation will be greatly appreciated.