Brenda Brooks Shaw departed this life on Monday, October 29, 2012 at her residence in Portsmouth after a courageous fight against Breast Cancer. Born on October 26, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Mary Brooks and Jake Brumsey. She grew up in the historic Crestwood section of Norfolk County and retired from Raytheon in April 2008.

Brenda was a member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, James W. Shaw, her daughter, Charleen Mitchell and her son, Shawn Mitchell (Tyrice), her brother, Larry Brooks (Mavis), her lifetime best friend, Inez Cuffee-Whitehead (Emmitt), four grandchildren, Sharnae, Karisma and Shawn Mitchell, Jr., and Blanton Purvy, Jr., and a host of relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held noon Saturday at New Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 3-7pm Friday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where the family will receive friends from 6-7pm. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.