Brenda Fay Graham Johnson, 77, of Salem, Va., passed away peacefully with her husband of 54 years, Donald Raymond Johnson, by her side on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Born Monday, March 31, 1947, in Christiansburg, VA., to the late James Howard Graham and Lena Agnes Phillips Graham.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her infant son, Ryan Raymond Johnson.
Brenda grew up in Salem and Always dreamed of returning. She and her husband, Don, moved back to Salem in 1996, after living in Lexington Va., Bluefield, WVa., and Bristol, VA.
Brenda graduated from Andrew Lewis high School in 1965 and was part of the last graduating class of Marion College in 1967. Brenda earned her teaching degree from Radford University in 1969. She instilled a passion for reading in the children she taught. Throughout her life she loved gifting books to children. She also loved flowers and gardening.
She served as an officer in the Republican Party in the various places she lived in Virginia and served as secretary of the 9th Congressional District Republican Committee.
Furthermore, Brenda was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Salem and its United Methodist Women.
In addition to her husband, family remaining to cherish her memory includes her children, Jessica J. Funk (Kevin), and Lauren J. Paige, both of Richmond, Va.; grandson, Declan Funk; siblings, Connie Melton (Carter), Jennifer Brown (Bill), and Bradley Graham; and many nieces and nephews.
Brenda was always thankful for her life and the love she got to share with others. Her loved ones remain thankful to have shared her life with her. The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on her birthday, Monday, March 31, 2025, from 6 until 8 p.m. in the Chaple of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A service is scheduled for Tuesday, April, 1, 2025, t First United Methodist Church in Salem Starting at 2 p.m., with Pastor Alan Combs officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating too First United Methodist Church in Brenda’s honor.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com
