Brenda LaJoyce Swinson was born September 7, 1956 to the late Hattie Posey Kilgore and Fred D. Swinson, Sr., in the city of Cairo, IL.  She graduated from Cairo High School where she went on to attend Job Corp in Cleveland, OH.  There she studied nursing and worked as a candy stripe at the local hospital.  She also attended Shawnee Community College where she received her CNA license.  Brenda applied her skills at various jobs in Cairo, IL until she settled in her position as a Food Service worker for Cairo Public School district.  Brenda gave her life to God at an early age.  She was a member Mount Moriah Church in Cairo, IL.  Brenda was also active in theatre which she enjoyed with her late aunt, Jeanette Posey.  In 1992, Brenda moved to Winston-Salem, NC and continued her career in food service at K&W on Healy Drive.  That passion landed her at Winston Salem State University where she worked as the assistant manager of the Ram Shack.  From there, Brenda worked at the Anderson Building on the campus as the head Banquet Coordinator.  During this time, Brenda went on to receive her Bachelor's degree from High Point University.  Her career ended at WSSU after an injury that started her disability.  She eventually worked as a substitute teacher for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools until her health prevented her from working.  At the time of her death, Brenda was a member of White Rock Baptist Church and served as an usher until her health kept her homebound.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother and father; a sister, Freddie Mae Swinson; and two brothers, Fred Swinson, Jr. and Donald Swinson.

She leaves to mourn three children, Hattie (Torrance) Walker and Fredericka Swinson both of Winston-Salem, NC and Michael (Javacia) Swinson of Mebane, NC; four granddaughters, Tori and Taraji Walker and Michaela Swinson of Winston-Salem, NC and Tiara Walker of Suffolk, VA; and three great-grandchildren, Taj and Carter Hicks of Suffolk, VA and Torrance Stevens of Winston-Salem; two sisters, Drusilla Pittman of Winston-Salem, NC and Hazel Sharpe of Cleveland, OH; two great uncles, Johnnie (Alberta) Posey and Joe (Odessa) Posey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Brenda was loved by all that came in contact with her.  She met strangers but after meeting them, they were no longer strangers.  She loved people for who they were.  Most of all, she loved her family.  Brenda was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.

A viewing will be held from 12:00noon until 5:00pm Friday, July 24, 2020 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private services will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, we request a donation to be made to Cancer Services Inc. of Winston-Salem.