It was a cold wintery morning in Eastern Kentucky when God blessed Ray and Lucille Spradlin with their second daughter, Brenda Sue. Only a year before had they been blessed with their first daughter, Shanna Marlene. As time passed, God blessed Brenda with a talent in music. Piano playing flowed after just a few classes. Her very musically-inclined grandfather told her he would purchase a piano for her when she played songs he knew. So they started having groups come to the piano for “jam sessions,” playing through the late hours of the night. Brenda’s talent was enjoyed by a countless number as she has played for many Churches, singing groups, and individuals. 

Brenda gave her life to Jesus at an early age. She had a child-like faith in prayer. As a child, her grandfather would take her with him for her to pray for the sick. Her life had many ups and downs, but her faith in Jesus kept her moving forward and celebrating Jesus with her music. She shared her ministry with her husband, Pastor Dave, as they pastored together in many Churches.

Brenda’s mom and dad preceded her heavenly journey, but Brenda’s sister Shanna with her husband Bill of Avon Park, FL, and niece Stephanie remain. Also remaining is her beloved husband Rev. Dr. Dave Lawson of Avon Park FL, her children: Angel and her husband David of Virginia Beach, VA; Russ and his wife Alicia of Frankfort, KY; David and his wife Carrie of Jacksonville, Florida; Jimmy and his wife Sarah of Maitland, MI; Darren and his wife Tracy of Huntsville, AL, and Donna and her husband Rich from Lake Worth, FL. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a great-grandchild on the way.

Brenda had a gentle spirit and a penetrating smile that cheered the hearts of many. Her love for her Lord Jesus, her husband, and her family was very important to her. Her love and care for her Church family was evident as she would always play the older hymns before Church for 15 to 30 minutes or more as the congregation sang along spontaneously. 

Jesus called Brenda to her new home in the early morning hours of Monday, July 22. Holding her hand, as she had requested many times before, was her husband Pastor Dave, with Donna, her daughter, by her side. Jesus has received a treasure, and she will be greatly missed by her family, her Church family of Community Bible Church, Avon Park, Florida and many friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Community Bible Church, 1400 County Road 17A North, Avon Park, FL 33825. Visitation is at 10:00 AM, and the service will be at 11:00 AM. Officiants will be Rev. Dr. Mike Holbrooke, General Superintendent of Churches of Christ in Christian Union and Rev. Ron Courtney, Associate Pastor of Community Bible Church. A meal will follow at Community Bible Church. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at www.avonparkchurch.org. Support is being provided by Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Avon Park: 111 East Circle Street, Avon Park, FL 33825 (863-453-3101).