Brenda B. Stephens

Brenda Kay Brunt Stephens, of West Columbia, Texas, completed her earthy journey and passed into the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on November 7, 2025, at the age of 75. Her sister, Sharon Brunt Gilbert, was by her side.

She was born on December 9, 1949, at Dr. Greenwood’s clinic in West Columbia to G.V. “Joe” and Eddie Mae (Wilson) Brunt. She grew up in West Columbia, Texas, and graduated from Columbia High School in 1968. Brenda was inspired by her mother’s occupation as a hairdresser, so she attended cosmetology school. After finishing school, she moved to Houston to be a hair stylist for Duane Fuller at Duane and Carmen’s Salon. She competed and won often in styling competitions at hair shows. She worked for Duane for over 20 years. She loved her work as she felt she helped people not only look better, but she listened to their stories with interest and love.

In 1978, Brenda married Doug Stephens and helped him raise his daughter, Crystal. After dealing with some tragedy and difficulties, the marriage did not last. Brenda sought counseling and was impressed by how much the counseling helped her. She decided she wanted to help others feel better in the same way. She went back to school to get her counseling license and worked for several agencies. She especially loved working for U.T. Health Science Center in Houston for 5 years.

In 2003, when her mother became ill, she moved back to West Columbia to live in the family home to help her sister, Sharon, with their mother. Helping others was still in her heart, so she started a business called “Helping Hands” taking care of others’ pets and helping the elderly. She became close friends to many that she helped.

Over the past 10 years. Brenda battled several heath issues. In 2025 with the encouragement of her sister, Brenda moved to San Antonio to live with Sharon so she could help her. She lived there for eight months until she passed away.

Brenda will be remembered for her infectious smile, twinkling eyes, outgoing personality, and compassionate heart. She was a born-again Christian and showed her love for Jesus Christ by serving others and studying God’s Word. Her impact on her family and friends will be forever remembered.

Brenda is proceeded in death by her parents; two daughters, Stephanie Jo and LaVonne, who were born prematurely and were too small to live; her stepdaughter, Crystal; and her brother-in-law, Bevil Gilbert.

She is survived by her daughter, Sondra Ludwig and husband Jody of Houston; grandson, Luke Ludwig of Stillwater, Oklahoma; her brother, Joe Brunt and wife Kay of College Station; her sister, Sharon Brunt Gilbert of San Antonio; her nephews with whom she was very close, Brent Gilbert and wife Mary Pat, Corey Gilbert and wife Marissa, Rocky Brunt and wife Carol, and Greg Brunt and wife Terri, all who called her Aunt B.

Funeral services will be December 6, 2025, under the direction of C.T. Baker Funeral Home at the First Baptist Church West Columbia at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Dr. Ryan Lintelman, pastor of First Baptist Church, will lead the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her lifelong church, First Baptist Church West Columbia, 226 South Broad Street., West Columbia, Texas, 77486 or The Columbia Christian Senior Citizens Center, 629 E. Bernard Street, West Columbia, Texas, 77486.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9