Brenda Kay (Shackleford) Greene, age 74, of Newark, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, Monday, September 16, 2024. She was born in Newark, Ohio on October 11, 1949, to the late Samuel and Geneva (White) Shackleford. She graduated from Newark high school in 1967.

Brenda worked as a nurse's aid at Licking Memorial Hospital after graduating from Newark High School. She studied Art Education at The Ohio State University and would later become the Director of Transportation for the Leads Head Start program in both Licking and Delaware Counties.

Brenda was a follower and strong believer in Jesus Christ. She always told her family to love God and love one another. She was ordained as a minister through the Bethel Rock House of Prayer. She was passionate about her online ministry, the Zion Christian Fellowship Center. She worked tirelessly to pass on her knowledge of the Bible and her family history and ancestry to her family and friends. Brenda was a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings on her mother's side of the family. Most recently, she collaborated on a project for the Licking County Library with Doug Stout and Jack Goodman researching the history and ancestry of Licking County African Americans.

She is survived by her children Nikole Greene, Cassandra "K.C." Greene, Leon (Tonya) Greene, and Brandon (Jodie) Greene; grandchildren, Jasmine, Maleek, Tristin, Azaria, Kya, Jayvin, Aaliyah, Gabbie, and Josiah; former husband, Walter Greene, Sr; siblings, Daniel (Marie) Shackleford, Rebecca Black, Kathryn Thomas, and Deborah (Glenn) Bower; sister-in-law, Gloria Shackleford; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Peggy Mathews, Esther Thompson, Geneva Black, Helen King, Norma Jean Shackleford, and Cynthia Shackleford; brothers, Samuel Shackleford III and Raymond H. Shackleford.

An 11am memorial service will take place Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Resurrection Power COGIC, 81 Price Rd. Gahanna, Ohio 43230, Pastor Franklin J. Culver officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Brenda's memory may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree St, NE. Suite 600 Atlanta, GA 30309.