Beloved wife, mother, and "Gammy," Brenda Lorraine Glaze Howell, went to be with the Lord Monday, July 3rd, 2006.
Brenda was born on January 15, 1952 in Nederland, Texas to Margaret and Earl Glaze. She was a lifelong resident of Nederland and graduated from Nederland High School in 1970. After graduation, Brenda earned a degree in
education from Lamar University in Beaumont. She taught for 8 years in San Antonio and Nederland before dedicating her time and energy to serving her family as a full-time homemaker. Not only was Brenda dedicated to caring for her family, she also served as a civic leader in her community. Brenda was a past president of the American Heart Association and an active member of the PTA and American Cancer Society. Brenda was also passionate about helping at her church, Hillcrest Baptist in Nederland. Her favorite activity was cooking Wednesday night suppers for her church family. She also taught 12th grade Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Awanas. Brenda served the Lord for 54 years through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and ministering at her church was one of her greatest joys. Not only was Brenda a wonderful example of a Christian woman, she was also a wonderful mother. The Nederland Chamber of Commerce named her the 2006 Mother of the Year because she was an inspiration to her family and her community. Brenda's daughter, who nominated her for the honor, captured the family's sentiments best when she said, "She is our hero." Brenda said that
because Jesus Christ lives, she could face tomorrow. Over and over, she spoke of living a life with no reserves, no retreats, and no regrets. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16
A celebration of Brenda's life will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, July 5th at Hillcrest Baptist Church located at 3324 Park Drive in Nederland with Pastor Dennis Whitmire officiating. Honoring Brenda's request, a special dessert reception will follow the service. A gathering of friends and family will take place from 5PM to 8PM Tuesday, July 4th also at Hillcrest Baptist.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Dr. Lanny; daughter, Jenna; sons, Lance and Micah; daughter-in-laws, Alison and Laurie; and granddaughter, Mackenzie. She is also survived by her parents, Margaret and Earl Glaze; mother-in-law, Dorothy Howell; and siblings, Wanda and WJ Arnaud; Earlyne and Danny Delahoussaye; Paula and David Tallant; Tami and Harold Glaze; and Lynda and Don Stockton.
Serving as pallbearers will be WJ Arnaud, Robert Bowling, Bobby Copley, Danny Delahoussaye, Harold Glaze, Don Stockton and David Tallant. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church in Nederland. She is with Jesus now.
