Brenda Joyce Gray

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Brenda Joyce Gray, affectionately known as Mom, Grammy, and Yaya, who passed away on March 5, 2026 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion to her family.

Brenda was born on April 9, 1941, in Arbyrd, Missouri, the second of three children born to Jim and Vivian Fletcher. In 1947, her family moved from Missouri to Wasco, California, where she attended local schools. In 1958, Brenda married Roland Gray. Together they had three children: Roland, Lisa and Teresa. Throughout her life, Brenda held several jobs, most notable serving as a Food Service Manager at William Penn Elementary School for the Bakersfield City School District where she worked for 24 years, retiring In July of 2003.

Brenda attended Celebration Church of the Northwest for close to 20 years, where she formed many lasting friendships. She loved socializing and taking trips with her friends, especially taking trips together to enjoy good food and attend southern gospel concerts, creating many cherished memories along the way. Brenda also loved spending time with her friends playing Bunco. The gatherings were always filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of conversation. She looked forward to those evenings, enjoying the simple joy of being together, sharing stories, and cheering each other on around the table. For Brenda, Bunco wasn’t just a game-it was a special time to connect with the friends who meant so much for her. She was affectionately called “Betty Bunco” by one of the groups she played in.

Brenda was the heart of the family, a woman whose love, strength, and wisdom touched everyone who knew her. She had a special way of making each person feel truly loved and cared for. Known for her kindness and her unwavering support, Brenda showed her love in countless everyday moments. Whether she was sharing stories and advice, offering encouragement, or celebrating life’s milestones, she created memories that will live on in the hearts of those she loved. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her life into caring for them. The love she gave will continue through the generations who were blessed to call her Mom, Grammy, and Yaya.

Brenda was preceded in death by her Daddy, Jim Fletcher; mother, Viviane Fletcher; son, Roland Gray III whom she lovingly called Ronnie; sister, Linda Haws; niece, Kimberly Haws; and granddaughter, Haleigh Rice.

She is survived by her children, Lisa Rice (Mark), and Teresa Popplewell (John); her sister, Glenda Turner; and her cherished grandchildren: Mark Rice Jr. (Brittney), Nichole Uribe (Jesse), Ashley Miller (Mike), Matthew Rice (Danielle), Chad Popplewell (Tayler), Rayland Rice (Amanda), and Kylee Pennel (Seth). Brenda was also blessed with 26 great-grand children and two great-great-grand children, along with many other loved ones whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, love, and strength.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in the countless memories she gave us, the lessons she taught, the traditions she passed down, and the love that will continue to live on in each of us. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. “A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.”

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 18, 2026 at:

Shafter Cemetery,

18662 Santa Fe Way Shafter CA 93263