Brenda Ruth Thomas Valentine, 57, of Palatka, the beloved daughter of Mary Eliza Li Jordan Thomas, was born on Sunday, January 25, 1953 in Palatka, Florida entered the sunset of life on Monday, January 25, 2010 at her residence.

She was a graduate of Palatka South High School, class of 71. Following graduation, she enrolled and was simultaneously employed by the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C., In 1972, she returned to Palatka to attend St. Johns River Community College and earned an Associates degree. At an early age, Brenda was baptized in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Lundy). On October 16, 1974, she was united in marriage to Earnest Boe-Jack Valentine, Jr. Brenda, affectionately known as B.T. was a loyal, longtime employee at the G-P Federal Credit Union (now First Coast Community Credit Union) where she cheerfully served the shareholders from 1974 until 1996. On March 7, 1993, Brenda re-dedicated her life to the Lord and joined Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church and loyal in the adult choir and ushers ministries. In 1996, she became the first full-time Finance Director at Mt. Tabor. Brenda enjoyed reading, watching tennis, cooking, baking, and gardening. Mema took pleasure spending time with her two grandchildren.

Her beloved mother, Mary Eliza Li Thomas; brothers, Isaiah Seymour and John Henry Seymour; and nephew, Ithiel Raymon Ray Isom, preceded her in eternal rest.

Brenda leaves to cherish her legacy: Husband, Earnest Boe-Jack Valentine, Jr., Palatka; Daughter and son-in law, Chela J. & Melvin E. Dasher III, Palatka; Grandchildren, Jakobi and Chloe Dasher, Palatka; Sisters, Gwen Harrell, Rose Lewis, Linda (Jimmie) Taylor, Marsha Miller, all of Palatka; Brothers, Timothy (Pamala) Thomas, Palatka; Charles Thomas, Columbus, OH; stepdaughters, Bridgette (Leroy) Valentine Turner, West Palm Beach; Nicole (Rick) Daris, Ft Lauderdale; Nikki (Jody) Bess, Fleming Island, Venecia Valentine, Palm Coast; 7 step-grandchildren; Stepsisters and Stepbrothers, Willie (Annie Mae) Battles Sr., Frank(Brenda) Cooper, Cecil(Kat) Thomas, Rebecca Williams, Pearlie Youman, Sandra(Victor) Peoples, Elizabeth(Wiley) Shingles and Pamela(Arthur) Ward all of Palatka; Devoted Great-Great Aunt, Ella Lesene, Palatka; Devoted Great Uncle, Elijah Bragg, Junction City, KS; a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, January 29, at The Chapel of Serenity. The cortege will assemble 11:20 a.m. Saturday at the Dashers residence, 201 Citra Drive, Palatka.

Homegoing Celebration will be 12 Noon Saturday, January 30 at Mt Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave. Palatka, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Pastor, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in the Oak Hill West Cemetery