Brenda Lee Ball, 51, transitioned to her heavenly home on June 26, 2016.
Brenda, affectionately known as “Big Bee,” was born in Harlem Hospital in New York City in the early 1960s. Her mother, Virginia E. Hardy, married Brenda’s father, Lee Ball, not once but twice. Brenda was the youngest of six children born to Virginia. Her parents loved one another deeply. Their love was truly intense.
Brenda grew up in the Harlem projects of Drew Hamilton Building 200. She was best known for her style and her broad and aggressive, yet vibrant personality. Her kind eyes always gave away the warm heart she had underneath the tough exterior. Brenda was well known throughout the community and had a huge passion for cooking. She worked at numerous kitchens across Harlem.
Feeding people was Brenda’s No. 1 passion. Her second love was working with kids. She worked for the Drew Hamilton Community Center for many years. Brenda was a mover and shaker, always on the go. She found creative ways to increase her income and never went without for long. The way her mind worked was incredible. She truly was talented.
Her biggest accomplishment was motherhood. She was the mother of two beautiful daughters, Falan Nychole Ball-Taylor, who followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a professional chef, and Alexis Franceska Ball, who is a phenomenal artist. Brenda was family oriented; she cared greatly for those she surrounded herself with. You did not have to be a blood related to be family to Brenda. She also was the go-to person when you wanted things done right the first time.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia E. Ball and Lee Ball; a brother, James Hicks, and a sister, Wendy Hardy.
She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Falan N. Taylor and Alexis F. Ball; one granddaughter, Timani N. Taylor; two sisters, Marcella Hicks and Linda Cato; a cousin, Leroy Lucas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial celebration of Brenda’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at Beach Funeral & Cremation Services, 4456 Bonney Road Virginia Beach, Va.
