Brenda Lee Clayton's Obituary
Brenda Lee Clayton, beloved friend, sister, and mother, entered her heavenly home on Monday, April 24th, 2023. She was 62. What life took from her in years, it gave in extra personality. Her energy and sense of humor were contagious.
Born in Buffalo as Brenda Ernst, her family moved to South Florida. There she went on to make her own family, and then remake a new family. This brought her to live in the Bahamas, before settling in Gainesville, Florida. Family was complicated for Brenda; she was complicated right back.
When life challenged her vertically, at 4’11” on her tallest day, she made up for it with effort. From grocery store cashier, to baker, to manager, she poured energy into helping us have easy access to food. Later, becoming a meter reader meant walking 15 miles a day, sometimes in the rain, usually in the Florida heat. Over the years this was often accompanied with a second job. Her work ethic was indefatigable.
Brenda's strength and remarkable toughness was most inspirational during her 13 year battle with cancer. When the effects and pain of treatment first came, she said life was a lot easier without breasts or hair, and put on her favorite Florida Gators bandana.
Be it hound or horse, squirrel or seagull, ferret or cat, Brenda was quick to take on caring for critters. She couldn’t stand to watch one suffer, even changing the channel if a nature documentary was headed in that direction. Few things sparked more joy and enthusiasm than animals. In her final days she was still telling stories of the elephants she watched online, who had been given a second life in a sanctuary.
It's hard not to draw parallels, being thankful that she outlived expectations while focusing on health in the final years. It's hard not to wish for more time and less suffering.
You are, and will be, loved and missed.
A service will not be held. If you wish to honor Brenda’s life, she would have loved knowing she brought extra attention and help to organizations she is supporting in her death:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
https://www.stjude.org
Global Sanctuary for Elephants:
https://globalelephants.org
What’s your fondest memory of Brenda Lee?
What’s a lesson you learned from Brenda Lee?
Share a story where Brenda Lee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Brenda Lee you’ll never forget.
How did Brenda Lee make you smile?