Brenda Gail Brown, age 52 of Big Rapids, formerly of Barryton, went to be with her savior after a brief illness, Thursday May 12, 2011. She was born April 1, 1959 in Highland Park, MI the first daughter of Dr. John E. and Dorothy "Dee" (McMahon) Brown. Brenda was raised in Barryton and graduated from Chippewa Hills High School. She loved to bowl and look for mushrooms with her brother-in-law Mike. Brenda was in Special Olympics for several years; she was in "Barryton Special Kids" and was a member of the Barryton Rebekah's. She loved her family and enjoyed the company of her friends. Brenda will be missed by her sisters; Tina Sekimi, Lynda (Michael) Vincent, Sandra Thatcher and Laura (Scott) Martin, nieces and nephews; Alexis Tyson, Ashley Vincent, John Vincent, Joshua Jamieson, Courtney Thatcher, Allen Thatcher, Brock Martin and Drake Martin. Brenda will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved her, as a happy and friendly person with a gentle heart. In her last unselfish act, Brenda donated her kidneys and saved the lives of two lucky people. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dr. John and Dorothy Brown and her grandparents. A memorial service will be held 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton with Pastor John Mellish officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Brenda will be laid to rest by her parents at East Fork Cemetery in Barryton.