Brenda Joyce Harris Crawford Shelton departed this life on May 31, 2017 in the University of Virginia Hospital. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, and friend.

Brenda was born on October 21, 1952 to the late Nathaniel Eldridge Harris and the late Helen Inez Cash Harris Wrenn. She became a member of First Baptist Church in Louisa at an early age where she was active not only in youth, but in later years as a member of the Mary Gordon West Inspirational Choir, the Usher Board, COPE Ministry, and served many years as the Church Clerk. She later moved her membership to Byrd Grove Baptist Church where she continued working for God as a member of the Senior Choir. Brenda's love of the Lord prompted her to continue her education by going to first, Liberty University to receive her Associate's degree in Religious Studies and to continue to work towards her Bachelor's degree at Colorado Christian University. She first began her education in the Louisa County Public School System graduating in 1970. She remained active in her class activities, faithfully going to reunions and planning meetings.

Brenda, before her health failed, was a constant worker. She did everything from day's work to hefting hay bales in the field. Brenda worked for many years at Klearfold, Inc in Louisa where she made many lifelong friends. She retired on disability from the United States Postal Services, were she served as post master at the Kents Store post office and worked in the Gum Springs office.

She was preceded in death by both her father, Nathaniel Harris, and her mother, Inez Wrenn, her first husband, Stanley Paulemus Crawford, her sisters, Helen Thurston and Mildred Morris, her daughter, Donna Crawford Rilla, and her son-in-law, Lawrence Rilla. She leaves to cherish her memory; her husband, Roger G. Shelton, her step-father, Milton Wrenn, her daughters; Sharon Shelton (George "Tony"), Amanda Lynn Crawford; her grandchildren, Kelly, Zachery, Paul, Mikayla, Kimberly, Jeremiah, and Jaylin, her great-grandchildren, Siobhan and Kingston; and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Brenda was one of a kind, her sense of humor and steadfast friendship will be missed by many, even her sarcastic whit and occasional acid tongue. Her love of the Lord was known to all and ensures that she is resting peacefully in His arms with all her loved ones that has gone before and is patiently waiting for the rest of us to come.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Byrd Grove Baptist Church 2365 Cedar Lane Road Kents Store, VA 23084 with Rev. Keith Manuel officiating.