Brenda Leggett

Proverb 31: 25-26

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful

instruction is on her tongue."

Brenda Lynette Holland-Leggett was born on September 19, 1953 in Brunswick, Georgia to James and Margurite Holland. Brenda was the fourth of six children born to this union. Melvin, Eddie Lee, and Tangie were her older siblings. Jesse and Rosalind were her younger siblings. Brenda was a shy child, but she loved playing with her brothers and sisters and cousins.

At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and was baptized at First African Baptist Church, Riceboro, GA. Brenda attended school in Liberty County. She graduated from Liberty County High School in 1971. Upon completion of high school, Brenda began taking classes at Brunswick Junior College in the nursing field. Although Brenda was a natural nurturer, she found that nursing was not her calling. She knew that God had other plans for her life.

Brenda enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1974, and she often shared stories how she would awake, get into formations, and struggle to march without bouncing. Brenda served in the Air Force until she received an emergency honorary discharge to return to Georgia to help care for her father who had become ill.

Brenda went on to work with the Headstart program in Riceboro, Georgia.  One day, a visitor from Coastal Area Community Action, named John, caught her attention. John and Brenda fell head over heels in love. Rev. John Leggett and Brenda Holland joined hands in holy matrimony on August 28, 1976. To this union, three children, Derrell, Lynee, and Leah were born. 

Over the years, Rev. John Leggett would be called to serve as pastor at several churches. Brenda served faithfully as First Lady at each of these churches. Rev. Leggett would also be called to train missionaries and to minister in Saudi Arabia for a summer. She supported and prayed for, and with, her husband to advance the Kingdom of God and to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. Brenda was a faithful, supportive, loving wife to John for over 45 years. 

Rev. Leggett’s ministry would require the family to live in several places. They would serve in Brunswick, GA, Louisville, KY, and Glen Allen, VA. They would eventually move to Metter and become active members of the community. They lived in Metter for over 20 years. Among many accomplishments, Brenda served as the first Pre-K Coordinator of Metter, GA. In that capacity, she worked and touched the lives of several families in the community. She worked for the Candler County Board of Education as the Pre-K Coordinator until she retired in 2009.

Brenda was known for her soft-spoken, kind-hearted demeanor. She enjoyed talking and laughing with her friends and family. She cherished her Thursday night calls with her prayer partners. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren who affectionately called her Mema.

Brenda certainly  walked by faith and not by sight. She would “speak things that are not, as though they were.” Whenever there was a need, John and Brenda would praise the Lord in advance for fulfilling that need. Even when fighting illness, Brenda would speak God’s Word to her body. Brenda remained faithful until the Lord called her home on June 23, 2023. There is no doubt that she was welcomed into her Heavenly home by Jesus and by her adoring husband Reverend Leggett. We have peace knowing that they are together again and that they are with the Father.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband John Leggett, her parents, James and Margurite Holland, siblings, Tangie Holland, Rosalind Holland, Melvin Holland, and Jesse Holland; in-laws Robert and Lucille Leggett, Dorothy Williams, Alexander (Carole) Leggett, Robert C. Leggett, and Edward Flowers.

She is survived by: her three children, Dr. Derrell Leggett (Che’), Natalia Smith, and Shonda Martinez (Irvin); her brother Eddie Lee Holland (Valarie); in laws Emma Pierce, Burnell Williams (Gerald), Luree Miller, Millie Flowers, Ronnie Leggett (Angelica), and Janice Reed (Andre); ten grandchildren, Johnell Leggett (Paige), Micah Leggett, Dathan Leggett, Anaya Leggett, Armarie Nelson, Abreil Nelson, Rokyra Smith, Kenyata Smith, Christole Martinez, and Marguarit Martinez. She also leaves a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends to cherish and honor her memory.

The Staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Leggett family with Dignity, Respect and Integrity. 

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