Brenda W Pickens, age 76 of Memphis, TN went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at St Francis Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born January 31, 1949, in Memphis, TN, a daughter of the late William L Williams, Jr and the late Jane Jacobs Williams, and step mother Carolyn Williams.

Brenda graduated from Carson-Newman College with a Bachelor degree in Mathematics, followed by a Masters degree in Counseling from the University of Memphis.

For over 34 years, Brenda taught in the Memphis City School system. Starting her career at Fairley High School, she moved to Porter Jr High then to Bellevue Jr High and finished her career at White Station Middle School. Most of those years she taught Algebra to exceptional students.

She was known for her strict rules and homework. In later years students stopped her out in public and offered a thanks for all the encouragement she provided them during those years.

Brenda volunteered her time after retirement at the Church Health Center working on whatever project was at hand.

In 2005 she started attending Bible Study Fellowship. This became an important part of her life, not just the bible study but the relationships she built with other Christian women. Many became lifelong friends.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Larry K Pickens of Memphis, TN, two brothers, William L Williams III (Diane) of Suffield, CT and Robert Scott Williams of Memphis, TN. In addition, she is survived by two nephews, Jason Williams (Stephanie Wright) of Suffield, CT and Andrew Williams (Jennifer) of Enfield, CT and two grandnieces, Olesia Williams and Cecylia Williams.

Funeral services will be held at Kirby Woods Baptist Church, 6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Kirby Woods Baptist Church, 6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.