Brenda Sue Holman

Brenda was born (twin) on September 14, 1961, to the union of Luther and Octavia Holman in Centreville, Illinois.

She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age at Flat Creek Missionary Baptist Church in East Carondelet, Illinois under the leadership of Reverend McKinley Logan (deceased). The family moved to Kansas City, Missouri in January 1974 and joined Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri in October 1974 under the leadership of Reverend James Glasgow (deceased). Brenda sang in the Youth Choir until she went off to college.

Brenda attended East Carondelet Elementary School in East Carondelet, Illinois and Katherine B. Richardson Elementary in Kansas City, Missouri, Central Middle/High School graduating from Central High School. Brenda received a scholarship for her achievements in high school playing basketball, volleyball and running track. Brenda attended Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas, majoring in and receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Brenda played basketball, volleyball, and ran track all four years graduating from Ottawa University in 1986. Brenda received many medals, plaques, trophies and awards from her successes in her sporting events.

Brenda was inducted into the Hall of Fame class of 2002. As a member of the OU volleyball team, she earned First Team All-KCAC honors in 1984 and 1985. In her three years on the team, Brenda made her mark in the OU record book. She is ranked first in three set match blocks (13), second in single season total blocks (83), and is second in single season blocks per set (1.72).

On the basketball court, Brenda led the Lady Braves to the 1981-82 District 10 Tournament. Brenda was named Honorable Mention NAIA All-American and earned All-KCAC honors in the 1984-85 season. She is ranked first in the OU record book in career rebounds (1,027), sixth in career steals (191), 10th in career field goals attempted (925), ninth in career field goals made (405), ninth in career free throws attempted (328), third in single season rebounding (287), 10th in single season free throws attempted (367), and she has the top three single game rebounding records (26, 22, 21).

In track, Holman was the 1982 Heart of American Athletic Conference (HAAC) Indoor long jump champion. She also earned All-HAAC Indoor honors in the 100 Yard Hurdles. During the 1982 HAAC Outdoor Championships, Holman was the conference’s long jump champion. She was also part of the 4x400 Yard Relay HAAC Championship team and she helped the 4x100 Yard Relay team finish third to earn All-HAAC recognition.

Brenda was employed with Jackson County Detention Center over twenty plus years as a Correctional Officer and later being promoted to a Sgt. She was well liked, loved and respected amongst her co-workers, administrators, and detainees. She also worked at (KCCRC) Kansas City Community Release Center as a (PPA) Probation & Parole Administration and presently as a Security Field Training Officer with Children's Mercy Hospital & Clinics, Kansas.

Brenda had a passion for reading and cooking although she was a workaholic. She enjoyed family time, if she did not have the opportunity to work overtime. Brenda was deeply in love with and committed to the thirty years plus relationship that she had with her companion, Larry Rider. A mother’s love was to her one and only son, Xavier Rider. The love, bond, and relationship they had was priceless. Xavier was the pride and joy of her life, until she became a grandmother to Grayson Rider. Gray was the joy and

highlight of her life. She looked forward to her time off so she could keep Gray. Brenda also had a special bond, love and relationship with Darnell Hale (stepson) and his two sons Cameron Hale and Christian Hale.

Brenda was preceded in death by her: parents, Luther Sr and Octavia Strauther-Holman; parental grandparents, Jasper and Mary Hoskins-Holman; maternal grandparents, James Strauther and Ophelia Hill-Bell; brothers, Luther Holman Jr, Jasper Holman and Darrell Holman; Sisters, Tarie L. Holman, Dinah Holman and Linda Holman (twin); nephews, Aaron Strauther and Craig Richardson.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memory: loving son, Xavier Rider, first and only grandson Grayson Xavier Rider, companion Larry Rider, and a bonus son Darnell Hale, and his sons Cameron Hale and Christian Hale; (three brothers) Aaron Strauther, Seaside CA, James (Lorraine) Strauther, Madison, IL. and Jimmy Holman Sr, Raytown, MO, (Nine sisters), Mamie Bauldin, Niles, MI, Mary Richardson, KCMO, Maxine Buckley, East Carondelet, ILL, Ophelia Holman, Lees Summit, MO, Carrie Wynn, KCMO, Darlene Holman, KCMO, Lorrie Holman, Blue Springs, MO, Melody Holman, Grain Valley, MO, Augusta (George) Stallworth, Lees Summit, MO and a sister in-law Rosalind Holman, KCMO; her best friend, Sheila Bradley-Graham, a Bonus Brother, Jesse Barnes and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, co-workers and longtime friends and acquaintances.