Remembering Joy…

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

II Timothy 4:7

Brenda Joy Butler Henderson was born on October 29, 1960, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the late Chester and Viola Paul Butler. She was the youngest of ten siblings. She peacefully left this life on August 27, 2017, in Minden, Louisiana, when God said, "You have fought a good fight, my child, and now it is time to rest in my arms." She did not hesitate when her name was called; she held on to God's hand and quietly slipped away.

Brenda, affectionately known as " Joy ," by her family and friends, was a fun-loving and caring person with a warm spirit towards people. Joy had a steadfast faith. Her yearning for a deep, close, and personal relationship with our Lord was the foundation of her ceaseless prayer. She had direct communication with God—what a mighty prayer warrior that lived inside of Joy.

Joy was baptized at New Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she was introduced to the Lord at an early age. During her young adult life, she joined Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church and served there for many years. In 2006, she united with True Light Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Alvin J. Noel. Joy was very passionate about her church home and family—especially the young children. Her love for children led her to work with the Children's Ministry.

Joy graduated from Washington High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1978. Because of her love for people, Joy's career choices were always centered around taking care of the elderly and children. Joy accepted employment at the Children's Playworld & Preschool in Lake Charles, Louisiana—becoming a Daycare Provider, where she taught and nurtured children who were 2-3 years old. Joy was a hard worker and very dedicated to her job and continued her training classes to stay certified as a Daycare Provider.

Joy was married in September 1992, and from this union she was blessed with one son, Joshua, whom she raised. Joshua was the apple of her eye and her number one priority. With education being important to her, she was always on a mission ensuring he worked hard in school. Her love for her son was the heartfelt love that an adoring mother has for her child. She knew that Joshua was a gift from God and was very thankful that God chose her to be his mother.

Joy and her "Big Sister," Ann, loved to shop. She had a love for bright colors and it certainly matched her colorful personality. She took pride in her appearance. She loved to travel especially with her family and was always excited and passionate about the next family adventure. She loved interacting with family and friends through social media—she was the "Texting Queen." She loved being called the "baby sis" and her siblings continued to spoil her unconditionally. Some of Joy's favorite sayings were "I love you to the moon and back" and "Yes, Luv!" She loved being around people—although a little shy at times, but loved to joke and play. Journaling played a big part in her life. This is where she wrote her intimate thoughts and prayer requests to God.

Joy leaves to treasure the memories of her love: Joshua Henderson, her beloved son; eight siblings, Leonard Paul; Catherine Ann (Leon) Raymond; and Rufus R. W. (Velma) Butler, all of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Jeanie Butler and Girdie (Mitchell) Kelly, all of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Audrey Nell (Brian) Hanchett of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Shirley (Henry) Hargrove of Dallas, Texas; and Betty (Bobby) Miller of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law, Joseph West, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; goddaughter, Bethanie Price, of Little Rock, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Viola Butler, and one sister, Rosie Lee West.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., and funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at True Light Baptist Church, Rev. Alvin J. Noel, officiating. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com