Brenda P. Carpenter, affectionately known as “Bren,” was born on May 2, 1945, to the late Kenneth J. Carpenter and Sara Carpenter. A lifelong resident of Camden, New Jersey, she was raised and educated in the Camden City School system. She was a proud graduate from Camden High School, fondly known as “The Castle on the Hill,” as a member of the Class of 1963.

Bren raised three momma boys: the late Allen Jr. affectionately known as “Poodie”, Mark, and Erik. Her love for her children led her to accept a part-time position as a lunch aide at H.B. Wilson Elementary School, allowing her to remain close to them during their early years.

Committed to personal growth, Bren had a short stint at Rutgers University – Camden studying in the field of Social Work. She had a deep passion for working with children, especially those in need of extra care and support. This passion guided her to a fulfilling role as an assistant teacher with the OEO Head Start Daycare Program, where she dedicated many years of service.

Some of her cherished memories were meeting the late James P. "Sonny" Schley, along with daughters- Sylvia Schley and Joy "Net-Net" Schley. Brenda and Sonny later married and enjoyed hosting family gatherings and spending quality time with each other. Shortly after Sonny transitioned to be with the Lord, she retired from the Center for Family Services. You could then find Bren spending quality time with grandson Marcus, who we consider to be her 4th son. They spent countless hours of fun together. Their bond was filled with laughter, love, and countless cherished moments. She was displaying that nurturing spirit that she learned many years ago from her mother- whom she loved and adored that EVERYONE called "Granny". Cut from that same cloth was her sister and BEST FRIEND Joyce. You could catch them spending hours on the phone bonding and reminiscing about the good ol days. More importantly, they loved the fact that they both lived on Lakeshore Drive for many years- practically neighbors to their mother and father. Quality time was also spent with her other sisters – the late Marlene Carpenter, and the late Carolyn Carpenter.

When it was all said and done- Bren had a unique and special kind of love for those 3 momma boys. She would often engage in have healthy debates with Poodie over EVERYTHING! Mark was the jokester, but was always there for Bren when it counted the most. Erik spoiled his Bren. You could catch him EVERY Friday night going grocery shopping at the Acme for BREN- faithfully ensuring that she had everything she needed. Addtionally, he made sure that she had those special visits from “Nupey”- the family dog, as well as from her little guys – Eli and Elijah.

Bren went onto glory to be with the Lord on April 19, 2026. She will be sadly missed! She leaves to cherish her memory: one sister- Joyce B. Simpson (Robert), one brother – Kenneth J. Carpenter II (Hallie), two sons- Mark Burrell, Erik Burrell (Tina), two daughters – Sylvia Schley, Joy “Net” Schley-Goodwin, the Schley family, 8 grandchildren – Shawn Hawkins, Shawnique Hawkins, Kenneth Ross Jr., Erik Coleman, Marcus Burrell, Ebony Burrell, Eli Burrell, Elijah Burrell; and a host of greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews.