Brenda Heard-Cooper
Passed 11/19/2018
Brenda Joyce Heard-Cooper was the oldest of two, from the union of Irvin Heard, Sr. and Joyce Heard, born December 15, 1958 in Los Angeles, California. She attended St. Philomena Catholic School in Carson, CA and Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, CA, where she excelled in academics and ran track. Brenda continued her college education at UCLA and University of Phoenix where she received her a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Her union with Derrick Stevens, Sr. in 1978, produced two devoted sons; Derrick Alan and Aerick Jamal. Brenda did an extraordinary job raising Derrick and Aerick as a single parent with the help of our Almighty God, her immediate family and a village of close friends she could rely on. As a mother, she was extremely proud of her sons who were always there for her under any and all circumstances.
Brenda’s career started with Home Savings and Loan / Washington Mutual where she worked in the IT departments and developed her technical skills. Brenda was always intrigued with advancements made in field of technology and as the industry exploded, Brenda was right there in the center of it. Her career continued to escalate and she moved into a new position at ADP in the IT department. Brenda was a Systems Engineer at ADP for over 15 years until she retired in 2017. Brenda accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in grade school, so it was no surprise that her love of the Lord propelled her to be a long time, dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop James Carrington, Senior Pastor. She also attended bible study classes, sung in the choir, ushered and was actively involved in the Women’s Ministry.
God brought Brenda the love of her life through the church when she met and married Michael Cooper in 2010. Brenda and Michael later moved to Eastvale Bible Church under the leadership of Pastor James Turner. While not missing beat, and wanting to serve the Lord with the gifts and talents she was given, Brenda began to set up the church’s technological infrastructure including social and video medias. God used her passion to further His kingdom. She was committed to the Lord, her husband, her family and friends, her loving churches and her pastors.
Brenda and Michael loved to travel the globe taking cruises and flying to destinations all over God’s creation. They were blessed to have traveled to Asia, the Caribbean Islands and many more exciting destinations. Brenda also loved to tinker and there was no task she was not willing to take on.
Whether that be stripping and refinishing furniture, faux painting, teaching her sons how to work on cars or coordinating the installation of a tile floor and using the tile saw to do it herself, she was down with the task. She was an amazing woman!
One of Brenda’s greatest joys was becoming an aunt and later a grandmother.
There was no place she would not travel to spend quality time with her nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She played a vital role in raising all of them through; nurturing, watching, listening, impressing wisdom and even disciplining if warranted!
She would take taking trips to support sporting events, birthdays, elementary school, high school and college graduations. Bonding was a big deal for Brenda which is why she committed so much time to her family. Brenda would drop everything in an instant to come to the assistance of anyone. That just who she was. Brenda Joyce Heard-Cooper leaves to celebrate her home going; her beloved husband Michael Cooper, her son’s; Derrick Stevens, (daughter-in-law Lesley) and Aerick Stevens (daughter-in-law Anny), her Mother Joyce Heard, her brothers; Irvin Heard, Jr. (sister-in-law Barbara), Alton Heard (who proceeds her in death), and Kornel Heard (sister-in-law Linda), her grandchildren; Anthony Stevens, Savannah Stevens, Zaara Stevens, Zoë Stevens, Victoria Wilhelm, Evan Wilhelm, her nephews and nieces; Jaxon Heard, Chanteal Heard, Emmanuel Heard, Irvin Heard III, DaBrawme Heard, Kwa Heri Heard, Taiwo Heard, Jawara Heard, Mwalimu Heard, Maia Heard, Franchetta Heard and Vernell Heard, her uncle and aunt; Edward Hopkins, Howard Hopkins (who proceeds her in death) and Ethel Hopkins; a host of cousins including Lanette Hopkins and Tasha Hopkins of California and many other relatives too numerous to name, but were equally loved and treasured by Brenda.
Condolences may be sent to: Citizens Funeral Services, Inc.