Brenda Brown-Toy

Brenda Brown-Toy

November 13, 1950 — April 17, 2026

Brenda Brown-Toy was born on November 13, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to Herman and Gladys Harris.

Brenda received her formal education from Eisenhower High School. She worked as a Ward Secretary with Christ Hospital, known now as Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois for 15 years. With the desire to support her family, she changed her career direction and left the hospital industry. Brenda took on a position in the Water Department for the City of Harvey and then moved into another position as a Parking Lot Attendant that led her into retirement after 20 years of service.

She enjoyed vacationing when she was able and gardening that led her to receiving many beautification awards in her community. She also had a very keen interest in shopping, whether it was clothing or decorating her home. Brenda accumulated so much stuff she would give some of her things away, held garage sales, and also thought about opening a resale store.

She was very generous to many if she could help you with monetary gifts or just give you items that she thought you may have need of…she was that go-to person. Brenda would offer her Real Estate services although she didn’t hold a license. She sought it as a blessing to give rather than to receive, and enjoyed helping others.

Brenda also had a strong personality and would let you know what was on her mind.

She loved the Lord and during her last days her favorite praying Minister was played by her bedside, Pastor W J Campbell, as she moved her head side to side. Brenda was a fighter and she put up a Good fight, but she knew this fight was different from the others.

Brenda made her transition on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, and now is resting with her loved ones.

Brenda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt that would be truly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Gladys Harris and brothers, Edwin and Alfred Harris.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories:

Husband, Lonnie Toy; son, Ronald Brown Jr.; daughter, Alethea Harris-Smith (Thomas); granddaughters, Centresha Smith (Marques) and Taylar Smith; grandson, Thomas Smith Jr.; Great Grandchildren, Kayden and Kameron Smith; Sisters, Antionette Jackson and Hermanetta Frierson; brothers, Ricardo Harris and Mark Harris (Cynthia); brothers- in-law, Michael (    ) and Harold Toy (    ); sisters-in-law, Evelyne Harris and Regina Toy (    ) and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, god daughter and friends.

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