Brenda Turner Smith, 82, of Allentown, passed away Friday, June 28, 2024 at her son's home in Browns Mills, surrounded by her family. Born and raised in Hightstown, she resided there until she married her husband, Wendell J Smith. In 1966 they moved to Allentown where they raised their family. Mrs. Smith began her career working at Waterbury where she made electrical components. She later worked for McGraw Hill, both in New York and East Windsor, NJ, retiring after 20 years of service. In the late 1990s, Mrs. Smith began working for the State of New Jersey, Office of Higher Education. She was employed with the State of NJ for 25 years, retiring just two years ago at the age of 80.

Mrs. Smith was a dedicated, lifelong member of the Union AME Church in Allentown. She served as a church trustee and whether she was cooking for church suppers or organizing fundraisers, she was always there to help out. Mrs. Smith was a talented artist, creating many beautiful oil paintings. She once dreamed of being a clothing designer and always enjoyed sewing and making jewelry. She also enjoyed crocheting, watching her shows, and going fishing, spending many hours fishing at the pond in Allentown. She spent much time in the kitchen, cooking and baking, with the most important ingredient being love; especially her sweet potato pies, cookies, and potato salad that will be very much missed.

Daughter of the late Claywell and Della Turner, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Wendell Joseph Smith, and by two sisters, Rev. Alana Porter and Jacqueline Smith. She is survived by her four children, Karen Thompson and her husband Terry of Williamstown, NY, Darryn Smith and his wife Cassandra of Allentown, Deneen Turner Lopez and her husband David of Voorhees, and Derrik Joseph Smith and his wife Maria of Brown Mills; a brother-in-law, Charles Bowling; 15 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Mrs. Smith was "Nana" to many and very loved by all she came across.

A visitation will be held 9-11am, with a funeral service to begin at 11am on Friday, July 5, 2024 at the Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church St., Allentown. Interment will be at a later date in the Brigadier General, William C Doyle Veterans cemetery, Arneytown.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.