Brenda K. Smith, 61, of Burlington Township, passed away Friday, December 13, 2024 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, surrounded by her family.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI 49094 with Pastor Rob Schwartz officiating. Interment will follow at Burlington Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M, also at the Lighthouse in Union City.

Brenda was born on January 15, 1963 to Tommy and Alice (Jackson) Shepherd in Marshall, Michigan. When Brenda saw the love of her life, Norman Smith, she was watching him during his firefighting training. She said she knew right then, she was going to marry him. They officially met at the Whistle Stop Bar in Burlington when she walked up to him and asked him to dance. They married at the Burlington Church of God on August 22, 1987. Brenda finished earning her high school diploma by putting herself through night school to earn her diploma in 1987, while raising their daughters, Sabrina and Janice. Brenda would sometimes take them both with her to classes. Brenda worked at Drakes, Campbells, and Marshall Excelsior.

Brenda was all about family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed trips to Maryland, scrapbooking, crafts, shopping, gardening, and spending hours working on her flower beds. They were always changing size and shape. Brenda and Norman also loved going to the casino, where she wanted to “hit the jackpot”.

In addition to her husband Norman, Brenda is survived by her daughters Sabrina Smith of Burlington, and Janice (Brandon) Prichard of Newburg, MD; her grandchildren, Jordan Brown, Austin Brown, Elijah Prichard, and Raelyn Prichard; her great-grandchild, Oaklynn Keeton; her siblings, Glen (Carol) Shepherd of Marshall, MI, and Lula Goodman of Athens, MI; and several nieces and nephews.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Tim Shepherd; and her sister, Fran Rice.

Memorial contributions can be made to the family for final expenses.