Brenda Marie Wilburn, aged 64, of Dayton, passed away peacefully on January 12th, 2023 after a long and brave fight against chronic illness.
Brenda was born to parents Carolyn and Charles Wilburn on August 9, 1958 and spent the majority of her life in Dayton, OH. In life, Brenda was a giving person and a caregiver at heart, spending her early years working as a care aid in nursing facilities. After becoming a parent herself, Brenda’s career focus shifted to early childhood education. Brenda spent several years caring for infants and toddlers before pursuing her passion and attending Kaplan University in order to pursue her degree in Early Childhood Education. She graduated in 2015 and continued to work teaching young children until she retired due to failing health.
Brenda was also a spiritual person, having great love for God and respect for all living things due to her Native American heritage. She loved animals and loved nature. She also loved puzzles, crafts, games, and watching Disney movies in her spare time. Her greatest love of all however, was spending time with her children and her grandchildren. She prayed for them daily and had no greater pride and joy than her family who will miss her dearly.
She leaves behind daughters Takara Gates (36) and LeAndra Ianneo (Gates) (35), sons Jackie Gates Jr. (33) and Christopher Broach (27), grandchildren Juan Ruiz (19), Joanna Lopez (18), Cesar Lopez (16), Marieanna Acosta (14), Aaron Acosta (13), Ayden Ianneo (13), Olivia Broach (9), Serenity Brooks (9), Jackie Gates III (8), Illiana Franks (1 mo), and great-granddaughter Kar’mella Taylor (2).
A memorial service for Brenda will be held on Monday, January 30th at 3 pm at the W.E. Lusain Funeral Home, 2455 Stanley Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45404.
