Brenda Keifer was born at Firmin Desloge Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on November 10, 1944 to William and Melvadean Keifer. She was raised in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri where she attended grade school and high school. Brenda was one of three girls born to William and Melvadean Keifer. She has two sisters, Pat and Debbie. Brenda also went on to add to her education as she took courses in Family Sociology. Growing up, Brenda nurtured her love for music. She enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. At the tender age of 7 Brenda was known as the "Little Sweetheart of the Ozarks." Her popularity grew as she was featured on the radio for her wonderful singing. When Brenda was about 15 years old she was the "Up Front" singer at the DeQuoin State Fair. When she san the popular song of the day, "Six-Teen Tons" Brenda had the privilege of meeting the man that made that song famous, Tennessee Ernie Ford, as he introduced her. Brenda's mother Melvadean was at the same state fair, playing the piano. Brenda's friend, Maxine "Teddy" Wingo was surprised to see Brenda at the DeQuoin State Fair. When Brenda was being raised her mother would take her in her stroller to the river where Brenda developed a love for water. When the seasonal heavy rains came Brenda enjoyed playing in the waters. For the remainder of her life going down by the riverside was Brenda's joy. Brenda and "Teddy" would frequent the Benton Lake where they enjoyed watching ducks and birds. Seasonally Brenda and "Teddy" would watch the ducks grow until the time came for the birds to fly away. Brenda eventually moved to Benton, Illinois on Christmas day 1980. Brenda was particular about finding a place that she would like. Her close friend, "Teddy" would say to her, "Brenda you're taking so long to find a place you're going to have to "bunk" with me. When "Teddy" expressed the reality that money was running low, Brenda asked her to work for her as a rode. That began an eight-year musical relationship between Brenda and "Teddy". Brenda played and sang while "Teddy" played electronic drums. They traveled and played wherever the opportunity was given-nursing homes, hospitals, churches, and nightclubs. The give of music became a ministry of music. On one occasion a man approached Brenda and told her that his music saved life. He told her that he was contemplating ending his life until he heard her sing. Both Brenda and "Teddy" became music favorites among the bikers. In the words of "Teddy", "They Loved Brenda's Music." Music was not the only interest in Brenda's life. The religion of her childhood remained at the foundation of her life. However, through the years Brenda had biblical questions that remained unanswered and therefore ignited in her to keep seeking. Brenda's long-time friend "Teddy" purchased a radio for her due to her preference of radio over television. One day while Brenda was scanning through the programs on her radio she was halted by the jovial laughter of a radio personality that she was unfamiliar with. She commented to her friend "Teddy", "That man must be very happy. I want what he's got." At this time Brenda was in a nursing home for a short stay to get treatment. One of the workers told Brenda that she knew who the man on the radio was. The attendant arranged a meeting and to Brenda's surprise CA Murray and his wife Irma walked into her room. What began as a 15-minute visit quickly turned into a two-hour celebration. Pastor Murry invited Brenda to church and the rest is history. It was not too long after that time that Brenda accepted the truths of the Bible and was baptized by CA Murray into the Thompsonville Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Her church family quickly grew as she enrolled in continued Bible studies in pastor John Lomacang's class. She attended faithfully with the help of members that transported her from week to week. Not many months ago Brenda's health took a turn for the worse. Brenda missed coming to church by said to her pastor and church family that when she got things back in order she was coming back to church. Unfortunately, Brenda did not win the battle over her health challenges. However, she closed her eyes in rest with the blessed assurance of a great reunion on resurrection day. Brenda is survived by her sisters Pat and Debbie; by her life-long friend "Teddy", and by a hose of friends and church family. Brenda will be dearly missed but in the words of a song that Celestine and Mike Barry recorded on their phone as Brenda sang, we will meet again.