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Brenda Joyce Donelson

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | April 14, 2026

Brenda Joyce Donelson, one day after Resurrection Sunday, April 6, 2026, Jesus in His infinite wisdom called Brenda Joyce home to eternal peace.

Brenda Joyce Donelson, 64, was born on October 11, 1961, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She was the beloved daughter of the late John and Sadie Ruth Donelson.

She was a proud 1979 graduate of McKeesport Senior High School. Brenda gave birth to her beloved son, Darius Maurice Donelson (born February 6, 1992), who was truly her pride and joy. She was also blessed with her grandson, Darius Donelson Jr. ( born April 5, 2019), who brought tremendous joy to her life. Brenda was known as a hard-working, dedicated woman, often described as a workaholic. She worked at McKeesport Hospital, the Marriott Hotel, and later became an entrepreneur, owning and operating her own cleaning business. She was also known as an exceptional cook, with her famous lasagna being a favorite among family and friends. Most importantly, Brenda was a born-again servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and an active member of Trinity Church of God in Christ, where she faithfully served on the Usher Board. Through her cleaning business, she also lovingly helped maintain the church under the leadership of Bishop James M. Foster. PRECEDING HER IN TRANSITION: Sadie Ruth Donelson (mother), Carolyn Jean Hollie (sister), Gregory Paul Donelson (brother), Stephanie Denise Donelson (sister). SHE LEAVES TO CHERISH HER PRECIOUS MEMORY: Son: Darius Maurice Donelson (White Oak, PA); Grandson: Darius Donelson Jr: (White Oak, PA); Siblings: Johnny Donelson (Temple Hills, MD), Barbara A. Love (McKeesport, PA), Saundra Donelson (Pitcairn, PA); Nieces & Nephews: Blake Donelson (McKeesport, PA), Brooklyn Donelson (McKeesport, PA), Aaliyah Marie Donelson (Toronto, Canada), Raffana Donelson, Dan Puchalla (Chicago, IL), Marissa Donelson (McKeesport, PA), JaCorey & Ka'Meah (McKeesport, PA), Nicole Donelson (Utah), Nate Donelson (Pitcairn, PA). SPECIAL COUSINS Simone Clark, Deborah Dennis, Markeysha Clark (Buffalo, NY). SPECIAL FRIENDS Donna Simpson, Janice Moody, Tyrone Campbell, Sherree Still, Amber Clark, William LeMon, Marci, Dianne Rhodes, Robin Dawson, Shawn and Gladys Allen, and Matthew Brown. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant..."-Matthew 25:21.

Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Noon at the Trinity Church of God in Christ. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church. The entombment will follow at McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Charles Danforth, Supervisor

Originally published April 14, 2026.

Other deaths:
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