Brenda Walsh

Brenda Sue Walsh (Johnson) daughter of Amos and Elsie (Green) Johnson, was born on March 10, 1943 in Grayville, Il. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband William (Bill) Walsh, her younger brother Howard (Bob), and her sister-in-law Lillian (Byrd) Johnson, and nephew Jerry. She is survived by her daughter Dawn (Johnson) and her husband William Firestone, her grandchildren Billy and Dakota, and her great-granddaughter Annabell, and by her oldest brother Don and his wife, Carmen (Mahan), and her youngest brother Wayne, and her sister-in-law Martha (Walker) Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brenda graduated from Fairborn High School in 1962. She was a single mother who worked many long-shifts, waking before daylight to bake delicious loaves of bread for the Mel-o-dee restaurant in the '70s and '80s or working late at the store or BP Station to make ends meet for her family. Brenda often spent her free time with her parents, and considered her mother to be her best friend. She watched her grandchildren nearly every weekend for many years, so her daughter could finish college. And afterward, Grandma was there many days and nights for "her boys," Billy and Dakota, while Dawn traveled for work. She also spent countless hours with her brothers and their families, enjoying life, laughter, and fellowship. She met her husband Bill at B.P. and they joined the New Carlisle Eagles together.

Brenda is known for her generous spirit, always willing to give or serve as she could and wishing she could do more. She enjoyed baking for the "free suppers" served by local churches. She was an outspoken proponent of taking care of the truely needy. She enjoyed reading, and it was rare to find Brenda without a book in her hand or by her side.

Brenda passed peacefully in her sleep on July 18, 2012 after suffering from COPD and its complications for many years.There will be a memorial service at Smith Park in New Carlisle, Ohio on Saturday September 29 from noon to 2:30. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the food pantry in your hometown.