Brenda B. Stephens

Brenda Kay Brunt Stephens. of West Columbia, Texas, completed her earthly 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 ofton won 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 with how much 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 acre of other's pets and helping the elderly. She became close friends to many that she helped.

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

Brenda will be remembered for her infectious smile, twinkling eyes, outgoing personality and her 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 preceded 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 her husband Jody of Houston; grandson Luke Ludwig of Stillwater, OK; 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 Caol and Greg Brunt and wife Terri, all who cared for Aunt B.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday December 6, 2025 from 10 - 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of West Columbia with Dr. Ryan Lintelman officiating, Pastor of the First Baptist Church.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her lifelong church, First Baptist Church of West Columbia 226 South Broad St. West Columbia, TX 77486 c/o https://fbcwc.church/give

OR

The Columbia Christian Senior Citizens Center, 629 E. Bernard St. West Columbia, TX 77486 (979) 345-5955

Condolences may be left for the family at www.ctbakerfuneral.com