Brenda Jean Holland Ward, 77, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away on December 28, 2025, surrounded by love.

Brenda was born on March 16, 1948, in Bethesda, Maryland, to the late Irma Landing Holmes and Charles John Wesley Holland. She later made Florida her home, where she built a life rooted in family, friendship, and deep connection.

She was a proud graduate of Clearwater High School, Class of 1967. Shortly thereafter, she met and married the love of her life, William Thomas Ward Jr., on March 8, 1969. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion, sharing many cherished years until his untimely passing in 1988.

Brenda was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, a caring sister, and a loyal friend. Her home was the neighborhood gathering place, always open and full of warmth. She and William would often stay outside until the streetlights came on, enjoying an evening nightcap while the children played, savoring the simple joys of family life.

Brenda dedicated much of her life to serving others through her work in education. She began her career at Largo Middle School in 1983 as secretary to the dean before transferring to the Pinellas County School Board, where she worked in dropout prevention. After 32 years of devoted service, she retired in 2015. She was well respected, deeply knowledgeable, and truly a force to be reckoned with, she was someone who made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

In her free time, Brenda found joy in shopping, crocheting, knitting, and taking leisurely drives with her grandson Brandon, often singing along to Rihanna. She loved her daily ice cream and cherished time spent with family. Sweet, one of a kind, and truly unique, Brenda had a heart that overflowed with love. She loved people so deeply and completely.

She is survived by her daughters, Annette Ward Gabory and Michelle Lynnette Ward; her beloved grandson, Brandon Scott Gabory; her sisters, Donna Catanzaro and Shirley Ward; as well as several nieces and nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Thomas Ward Jr., and her sister, Janet Sinclair.

A graveside service officiated by Pastor Jeff James will be held at 1pm on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Sunny Ridge Memorial Park in Crisfield, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brenda's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.