Brenda Brooks- Harris

THE BEGINNING On May 21, 1969, a precious gift entered this world—Brenda Brooks Harris, affectionately known by her family as Bull. Born to Rebecca Gaddy and birthed from the heart of Reverend Percy Gaddy, Brenda’s arrival was nothing short of a miracle. She was not born alone, but with her lifelong best friend and twin sister, Linda. Arriving two minutes earlier, Brenda proudly claimed her role as the eldest, a title she carried with love, grace, and a quiet strength that would define her life. HER WALK WITH GOD At an early age, Brenda was baptized at Greater Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend O.V. Ellis. Her spiritual journey was rich and deeply rooted in faith, shaped by her devotion to God and commitment to serving His people. In 1978, she joined United Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her father, Founder and Pastor Reverend Percy Gaddy, where she faithfully sang in the choir’s soprano section. She was especially known for her heartfelt rendition of “I Can Go to the Rock,” a song that perfectly captured her unwavering faith. Throughout her life, Brenda continued her service across several congregations: 1997–2002: Rock of Ages Baptist Church, under Pastor Marvin E. Wiley. 2002–2010: God’s Way Full Gospel Church, where she served faithfully as Pastor’s Nurse under Bishop John Cooley. 2010–2018: Returned to Rock of Ages, worshiping alongside her husband and children. 2019–Present: First Baptist Church of Melrose Park, under Pastor John Belser. Brenda often said that First Baptist was “a special place” that she proudly called home. Her faith remained unwavering, as evidenced by her worship and praise of God. EDUCATION AND ACHIEVEMENT Brenda’s pursuit of excellence was unmatched. She graduated from Westinghouse Vocational High School in 1988, earning honor roll distinction and perfect attendance all four years. She carried that same discipline into higher education, continually striving for greatness: 1998: Associate Degree in Nursing, Malcolm X College. 2011: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, North Park University, Magna Cum Laude. 2018: Master of Science in Nursing, with a concentration in Leadership and Management, North Park University. Her 2018 graduation was particularly extraordinary. Just one month earlier, she faced a major spinal cord injury, a challenge that left her unable to walk. With unwavering determination, faith in God, and the support of rehabilitation, Brenda triumphed. When the day came, she walked across the stage—her family and classmates erupting in celebration. With tears in her eyes, Brenda declared, “It was nobody but God.” CAREER IN SERVICE

Brenda’s career in nursing was more than a profession; it was her ministry. She began as a Student CNA in 1987 and worked diligently until she became a Registered Nurse and Charge Nurse in 1999. She rose to Assistant Director of Nursing from 2005–2007 before serving as MDS Coordinator at Bridgeway Christian Nursing Home from 2007–2018. Her leadership and compassion carried her into her final role as Director of Nursing of Memory Care & Assisted Living at Bridgeway of Bensenville, Illinois. There, she led with wisdom, integrity, and genuine care, leaving an indelible mark on her colleagues and patients. In 2020, Brenda retired from nursing due to health challenges, yet her legacy of service and compassion lives on in the countless lives she touched. A SISTERS’ BOND From the very moment of her birth, Brenda’s life was intertwined with her twin sister, Linda. Their bond was unshakable—two souls forever linked by God’s design. Fifteen years later, their youngest sister, Priscilla, came into the world, and together the three formed a sisterhood unlike any other. Their mother instilled in them the sacred truth that no matter what, “you are always sisters and forever friends.” Every year, they celebrated their birthdays together, sharing laughter, travels, and countless long-night conversations. Whether cooking side by side, serving their family, or simply enjoying one another’s company, their love was a reflection of their mother’s legacy. Their bond was unbreakable, sealed with loyalty, joy, and sisterly devotion until the very end. HER LEGACY OF LOVE Brenda’s greatest treasures were her family. As a young mother, she welcomed her firstborn son, Steven, pouring her whole heart into raising him with faith and stability. As a single mother, she leaned on God to provide, ensuring that Steven grew up in church and grounded in Christ. In 2001, Brenda married Rory Pernell Harris, the love of her life. Their story was one of divine destiny—Brenda once declared to her sister after hearing Rory sing “What God Has for Me Is for Me” in church, “That’s going to be my husband.” And indeed, it was. T heir marriage was filled with joy, laughter, shared sports rivalries (especially cheering “Go Bears!”), and quiet moments of love in the kitchen and beyond. T hrough their union, Brenda’s family grew beautifully. She became a devoted mother to Rory (Scoop), raising him as her own with no distinction of love, and together with Rory, she welcomed two more children, Jailyn and Brendon. To Brenda, family was everything, and she often said, “My family is my strength and the reason I fight to live.” Her husband and children cared for her with unwavering devotion, carrying her through even her most difficult days. To My Big Sister, Bull Bull, ever since I was a little girl, I admired you. You trusted me until your last breath. Girllll, watching your work ethic—the late-night studies, the hour-long commutes, and your determination to make it in this world— was so encouraging. You never settled in life. You taught me to be brave, to be beautiful, and to believe that I can accomplish anything. When I accepted my calling, you were there. When I became a Regional Director, you were invested in learning alongside me. I enjoyed every sister trip, and everything we did as the Fabulous Becky’s Girls. One thing I know I will always do is help others, just like you. I will start the “Gaddy Girls Foundation”, just like you wanted. I promise, I got your family and Lee. You told me everything you wanted and laid it all out for me—nothing caught us by surprise. You said to me, You were called for such a time as this. Bull, Baby Sissy won’t lie—I am completely broken. But girl, sickness had no control over you. You got your healing and ran on to see what the end was gonna be. You left us when you knew we were ready. From 2011 to 2025, nothing stopped you, and I am so happy you got your rest. My Shero! Forever Yours, Baby Sissy. Later in life, Brenda’s joy expanded as she became a mother-in-love and grandmother. Her grandson, Carter Campbell, was the light of her life and the center of her joy. She thanked God daily for the gift of time spent with him. HER HOMECOMING On Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 5:41 a.m., Brenda was called into her eternal home. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Reverend Percy and Rebecca Gaddy; daughter, Sharise Mi’Angel Campbell; brothers, Percy, Lashun, Darun, Daniel, Dwayne, and Darren; and beloved Auntie, Gloria Lofton-Diggs. Brenda leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband, Rory Harris children, Steven (LeAnna), Rory, Jailyn, and Brendon; beloved grandson, Carter Campbell; siblings, William, Darryl, Derrick (Tawyna), twin sister, Linda (Rodney), and baby sister, Priscilla (Kenneth); Auntie Rosetta; uncles, Samuel, John (Joyce), Eddie (Sheila), Michael, Tony, Nate (Melissa), Leon, and Carsby; Great-Auntie Josephine Henderson; father-in-love, Thomas Harris (Diane) and mother-in-love, LeeAnna Harris-Brown (Joe); two best friends, Victoria Taylor and Lela Talbert; godsisters, Latrice Golden and Sharon Shannon; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. A LIFE WELL-LIVED Brenda Brooks-Harris lived a life marked by faith, love, resilience, and service. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, leader, and friend. She laughed, she prayed, she fought, and she loved without limits. Her story reminds us that true greatness is not measured in years but in impact. Brenda’s legacy lives on in

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