Obituary of Brenda Joyce Pickeral

Brenda Reynolds Pickeral, 67 of Altavista, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. She was born on Thursday, April 11, 1946 in Huddleston, a daughter of the late Rev. Jerome Dennie Reynolds and Rachel Fortner Reynolds. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Dillard Reynolds. She was retired from Universal Electric and was a member of The Church of God, Leesville Road, Lynchburg. Brenda was a sweet, loving, caring wife, mother & grandmother. Her favorite past time was time spent with her grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Big Mama." She read the Bible daily and enjoyed her family and many friends. Brenda was known for her excellent cooking, special recipes, gardening and bargain shopping. She fought a good fight against cancer, never failing to praise the Lord even in her darkest hours. Her battle was finally won and did not end in death, instead she was PROMOTED. Surviving is her husband, Otis Wyatt Pickeral, Jr.; a son, Chris Pickeral & wife, Teena; a daughter, Shann Blankenship Cline & husband, Gary; two brothers, Mike Reynolds & wife, Susan, Clayborn Reynolds & wife, Arlene; two sisters, Oleta Clark, Shirley Steward & husband, Joel; her grandchildren, Landon Blankenship, Cody Cline, Kylee Pickeral, Natalie Pickeral, Wyatt Pickeral and close family friend, Jetty Hall. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 17, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Altavista Church of God of Prophecy with Rev. R. J. Reynolds, Rev. Paul Horton & Rev. Joe Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Altavista Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3 until 5 PM at Altavista Church of God of Prophecy. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston