Brenda Jean Robinson

Brenda was the Life of the Party

Brenda Jean Robinson, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion that will live on in all who knew her. She went home to be with the Lord and is finally reunited with her beloved late husband, Frank Robinson.

Born May 30, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brenda was the youngest daughter of the late Eugene and Jeanette Saunders. The youngest of seven siblings, she was always there to help someone in need and never once complained. She was educated in the Philadelphia School System and proudly graduated from Simon Gratz High School.

She went on to work in management, eventually running her own bar on 20th and York—a local speakeasy where she brought people together through good times, cards, and conversation. Throughout her life, Brenda worked a variety of jobs and eventually retired from Watts Window Cleaning & Janitorial Company.Brenda was a hard worker and very patient, carrying herself with quiet strength and grace. Independent in her own right, she earned her own money from various jobs and side work, rarely asking for help. She was a phenomenal woman who lived a blessed life and was loved by so many; she will forever live in our hearts.

Family was Brenda’s pride and joy. She devoted her life to her children, Varayda and Eugene, her four grandchildren, her brother Clarence, her sister Dorothy, her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also cherished memories of her late parents, her siblings, and especially her beloved husband, Frank. Many years later, Brenda met and fell in love with Anthony Timberland. They shared over a decade together filled with love, laughter, and companionship. Even after their romance ended, their bond remained strong, and up until her passing they continued to share a deep friendship.

Her bond with her sister Dorothy was unbreakable. Dorothy often drove Brenda everywhere—whether to the store, the recycling plant, or family visits. You would have thought Dorothy was Brenda’s personal driver, because they were inseparable and always together. One of the family’s fondest memories is of Dorothy pushing little Brenda around in a shopping cart when they were young. That playful moment started a family tradition of Dorothy giving rides to her nieces and nephews—and even great-nieces and great-nephews—turning something simple into years of laughter and joy. Her daughter Varayda fondly recalls calling her mom after 12:30 p.m., only to have Brenda quickly say, “My stories are on, call me back,” before hanging up to watch The Young & the Restless or General Hospital. Brenda loved her birthday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve—because they meant being surrounded by family and friends. She was truly the life of every party.

She lived her life boldly and unapologetically. Her energy could light up any room and her smile made strangers feel like family. Whether she was dancing, cooking on the grill, or enjoying a game of cards with her friends Donna, 40, Debbie, and Sue, Brenda could always be counted on to bring laughter, joy, and sometimes a little competitive spirit. She made every moment count. Rain, sleet, or snow—you could count on her to show up, often with a glass of Nikolai vodka in hand, turning even strangers into family and ordinary days into celebrations.

So don’t just mourn her—celebrate her. Turn up the music, fire up the grill, share a laugh, and raise a glass of Nikolai in her honor. Brenda lived life the way she wanted—full of love, resilience, and joy—and her story will remain unforgettable to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Brenda is preceded in death by her late husband, Frank Robinson; her parents, Eugene and Jeanette Saunders; three brothers, David, Issac, and Clarence; three sisters, Rosemary, Helen, and Dorothy; and one nephew, Kevin. She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Varayda; one son, Eugene; four grandchildren, Marcus, Marquis, Aniya, and Amari; one sister, Sandra Kemp; one brother, Ronnie Brooks; ten nieces and nephews, Debbie, Ronald, Newton, Maurice, Sharon, Twanda, David Jr., Beatrice, Alda, and Deborah; seven great-nieces and nephews, Satin, John, Brittany, Niesha, Garry, Anthony, and Ronald Jr.; eighteen great-great-nieces and nephews; four god-sisters, Donna, Bev, Sue, and Forty (Cynthia); and a host of cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family