Brenda Mae Wise, 73, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023 with loved ones by her side. Brenda was born in Burlington, North Carolina to Gurney and Peggy Boggs.
She was raised in Newport News, Va., moved to southern California shorty after high school graduation and returned to Newport News, Va. in 2021.
While living in California, Brenda devoted her time to others. She served in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller. During the 2003 San Diego fires, she coordinated communication between emergency services and the community. She was certified as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). She worked in coordination with the Red Cross and FEMA to insure that the community of the Potrero/Tecate area had sufficient food, clothing, and whatever tools necessary to support the community. She was also a member of the Mt. Empire Bioterrorism and Disaster Defense Team. To honor Brenda for her outstanding civic generosity, she was named the 2010 Woman of the Year for the 40th Senatorial District of California.
In addition to her community service, Brenda was an avid reader and enjoyed darts, pool, traveling, researching genealogy, knitting, and crocheting. She was a member of Next Level Church in Yorktown, Va.
Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin Lee Wise; her brother, Bobby and her brother-in-law, Joe Abbott. She is survived by her siblings: Tommy Boggs and his wife, Leanna, Wanda Abbott and Joe Boggs. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Robbie, Brittany, Brandon, Landon and great-nieces and nephews: Emilio, Ezra, Emori, Kinsley, Brandon Jr. and Elena. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, 8Ball.
