Brenda Sweeney (Lansing)

Brenda Joyce Sweeney, transitioned from earth to Heaven on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 71years. She was born to Henry Wray, Sr. and Geneva Wray on February 4, 1952, in Muncie, Indiana.

She grew up and attended schools in the Lansing, Michigan area and graduated from J.W. Sexton High School. Brenda worked for General Motors for 30 years. She retired in 2006 from the Lansing Delta Plant.

Brenda dedicated her life to Christ at a young age. She was a member of Friendship House of Prayer Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor David and Pastor Cassandra Ford. She was committed to her faith in God and to praising the Lord, until she took her last breath. Her favorite scriptures that she often read and declared was Psalm 91. She was surrounded by her children and loved ones, until she departed this life in peace. We have suffered a great loss, but Brenda inherited great gain. No more sorrow, no more pain and free from worry. Heaven is now her home.

From a young girl, Brenda was always independent and determined. She was a phenomenal woman who knew how to take care of business. She was absolutely beautiful with brains! Brenda was a giver and would go over and beyond to help care for her family and others. She loved playing in the dirt/ gardening, sewing and making clothes, curtains, bedspreads, pillows and more. Brenda was a fabulous home interior designer, who also loved to paint. She learned much from her father, Henry when it came to cars. She could diagnose your car in a heartbeat, just from the sound of the engine to the leak of its oil. Brenda enjoyed helping care for her loving mother, Geneva. Even during her fight of battling sickness, she was adamant about her mother “Genie” being taken care of.

Brenda joined in holy matrimony with Jeffrey Sweeney on September 8, 2012. The two of them complimented one another well. From their humor, energy and often matching in their style of dress.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Jeffrey Sweeney; children, Corey (Anthonette) Henry, Anthony (Shanell) Henry, LaVonte Artis, and Tenetra Moon; stepchildren, Bianca (Frankie) Ayers, Jeffrey Sweeney Jr, Webster Hicks, and Jacquez (Tenesia) Sweeney; grandchildren, Shard’a, Antonio, Monique, Synquiss, Elise, Tony Jr, Stefan, Aviance, Shavontai, Tayveon, Alexus, Jeremiah, Alaiyah, Fyness, Akaiya, Natetoine, Frankie Jr, Harlin, EJ, Bryson, and Jarin; 32 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; sister, Marsha (Reggie) George; 4 brothers, Henry Wray Jr, Larry (Debra) Wray, Stanley (JoAnn) Wray, and Terry (Donna) Wray; 3 sisters-in-law; Peggy Sweeney, Sherry Sweeney and Debra (DeWayne) Belin; 2 brothers-in-law; Gary (Belinda) Sweeney and Keith (Cassandra) Sweeney; many special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends including special friend, Phyliss Campbell.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Wray, Sr. and Geneva Wray; and brother, Gary Wray, Sr.