"And she loved a little boy very, very much - even more than she loved herself," The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a powerful quote that represents the life of Brenda Wheeler Johnson of Buena Vista.

After a life full of selfless love for others, Brenda received her ultimate healing when she transitioned to Heaven on October 29, 2021.

There are few who walk among us giving and asking for nothing in return. Brenda was one of those few.

Brenda was born to Sam Matthew and Frances Flint Wheeler on December 11, 1948. Early in her life she was a caregiver for her younger siblings and then became an important provider. She lived simply and worked hard her entire life.

Brenda enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, playing cards, watching TV, football games, word searches, crossword puzzles, attempting to crack the lottery for the big win, phone calls, and cooking for others (best potato and chicken salads ever).

She was the hub of her large family, always keeping track of where all members were, what they had for most meals, their temperature, and medication schedules. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her son Brandon, her siblings and their families, as well as the children she cared for. She gained many friends who she loved while working hard in the community at places such as Kenny's, Burlington, Triangle Cafe, and Todd's BBQ.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, her mother, and her siblings, John "Booster" (Donna), George, and Wanda Wheeler. On Friday she joined an eternal family reunion and was shouting "Go Blue" with many of the best!

Brenda's selflessness, unwavering love, and rock steadiness will never be forgotten. Right up until her final breath she was still saying, "I love you most," and "I'm okay, it's alright." With Brenda those were truths that her loved ones can hold onto.

Her favorites who remain include her beloved son, John "Brandon" Johnson; her sisters, Dawn Wheeler, Nannie Johnson (Tommy), Kaye Ramsey (Sammy), and Laura Williams as well as sister-in-law, Florence Wheeler.

She found great pride, joy, and fun through her relationships with her nephews, nieces, and their families: Mark Wheeler (Mitzi, Lucas, Adam (Ali) Jace, Eli), Leslie Cash (Bridgete and Taylorann), Tasha Renfro (Brian, Ryan (Kierre and River), Samantha, Jordan, Trey), Clarissa Griffin (Jonathan, Elijah, Isaac, Samuel), Matthew Wheeler (Angela), Jonathan Wheeler (Taylor and Bowen), Tommy Johnson (Hannah, Abram, Madeline), Jordan Ramsey (Christina, Logan, Katie), and Olivia Williams. She will be missed by many cousins and many little hearts who she loved spending time with, Zoey, Adeline, Bentley, and Drake.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 3 at Green Hill Cemetery by Pastor Tommy Johnson.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.