Brenda Kaye Gilbert Batts, born on September 29, 1945, in Kirbyville, Texas, to Lewis O'Gilbert and Leola Faye Williams Gilbert, peacefully passed away on February 3, 2025.

The eldest of ten children, Brenda grew up in Kirbyville, where she excelled both academically and musically. A standout student at Kirbyville High School, she graduated at the extraordinary age of 15, earning honors for her academic excellence and for serving as first-chair alto saxophonist. She went on to attend Jarvis Christian College on a full academic scholarship, majoring in English and minoring in French. While at Jarvis, Brenda met Tommy C. Portley. The two married in March 1964 and had two daughters, Tameka and Ericka.

In 1965, Brenda made history as the first African American hired by the Social Security Federal Program. Her pioneering career continued with the Veterans Affairs Administration, where she served as a disability claims adjudicator. By 1980, Brenda had transitioned into the medical field, where she worked as an administrative assistant for prestigious professionals, including Dr. Grady Hallman and Dr. Denton Cooley at the Heart Institute. Known for her impeccable organizational skills, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities, Brenda gained respect across multiple medical specialties.

In 1998, Brenda retired from the medical field to focus on her family. However, her passion for education led her to a second career as a paraprofessional teacher for special needs children in the Alvin and Pearland Independent School Districts. Over 23 years, Brenda touched the lives of countless students and families, using her creativity and compassion to nurture her students' development. She earned the admiration of her colleagues and was recognized as Alvin ISD's Paraprofessional of the Year. Even after her retirement in May 2023, she continued working with special needs children in after-school care.

As a Christian woman of faith, Brenda was a source of wisdom and kindness to everyone she met. She loved life and cherished her family and friends deeply. An avid reader, Brenda devoured 2-3 books weekly and enjoyed completing complex crossword puzzles from the *Houston Chronicle* and *New York Times.* She had a lifelong love for jazz and blues music, dancing, and traveling. Brenda visited destinations across the globe, including Ireland, France, Germany, Egypt, Israel, and the West Indies.  Brenda had a zest for life, whether zip lining in Belize,  parasailing in Costa Rica or motorcycling across state lines.

Brenda will be remembered for her radiant smile, sharp intellect, and unparalleled grace. Above all, she will be missed for the love she shared with her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Lewis O'Gilbert; her sister, Addie Darnell Gilbert and youngest brother, Clint Andre Gilbert.

Brenda is survived by her mother, Leola Faye Gilbert; her two daughters and sons-in-law, Tameka Darnell Sneed (Glen) and Ericka Lizette Greene (Rodney); her grandchildren, Jessica Camacho (Jose), Avery Evans (Kelly), Candice Jones, David Jones (Darlene), and Christopher Simpson, Christian Greene (Misa) and Emmanuel Greene ; and her great-grandchildren, Abigail and Olivia Camacho, Amiyah and Melody Jones, and Sophia Evans, Essan and Noble Greene; her loving and supportive siblings:  Jersey Joe Gilbert, Linda Gilbert Gulley (Billy), Gregory O'Gilbert, Tony Gilbert (Leslie), Daryl Gilbert Sr. (Audrea); Leona Gilbert McMahon (Dwight); Lewis Eugene Gilbert (Lillian); 9 Nieces: Tiffaney, Faith, Melissa, Dia, Shunte', Shadye, Stephanie, Jasmine, and LaShelle. 3 Nephews: Daryl Jr., Louis (Jarrel) and Shaun; 7 great nieces and 10 great nephews, numerous cousins and lifelong friends

Brenda's pride and joy were her two daughters; her five grandchildren and five great-granddaughters,  whom she  leaves to mourn and celebrate her life by continuing her legacy of love, faith, excellence and service to others.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brenda's honor to MD Anderson Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer research at https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/campaign/In-Loving-Memory-of-Brenda-G--Batts