Cover photo for Brenda Joyce Oates's Obituary

Brenda Joyce Oates

May 16, 1951 — February 2, 2025

Brenda Joyce Oates

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathy the passing Brenda J. Oates on February 2, 2025. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. 

Brenda Joyce Oates was born May 16, 1951, to the late Lawrence Allen and Mary F. Fluellen Oates. She was the oldest of nine children. 

Brenda grew up in Fort Valley, GA. She attended the public school and graduated from H. A. Hunt High, class of 1968. She attended Fort Valley State College, now University, for three years. In 1988, she attended and graduated from Middle Georgia Technical Institute with an associate degree in Childcare.

She joined Usher’s Temple C.M.E. Church at the age of 12 and later followed her parents to St. Louis C.M.E. Church. After the death of both parents, Brenda returned to her beginning, Usher’s Temple C.M.E. until her untimely death.

 Brenda was dedicated to the church and served on several boards, as a stewardess, in the Missionary Ministry of Evangelism, in Lay Ministry, and the Baldwin Green Choir. She was no stranger to working for the Lord and helping where needed. Brenda was gifted in baking and crafts, both serving as her release from the problems around her.

Brenda married Willie J. Gibson, Jr. in 1971. God blessed this union with four beautiful children. Her love for the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren made the circle complete along with her family and friends. She instilled in them the love of God and to love each other and no matter what, take care of each other.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Lawrence Oates, Jr. and Mary Oates; siblings: Larence Oates, Jr., Melvin and Patricia Oates, Terry Oates and Rita Oates.

Brenda leaves all of the love, hope, dreams, and a blessed life to her children: Alex Emanual (Stacy) Gibson of Villa Rica, GA; Brian Keith Gibson (Arrika) of Macon, GA; Chadric Lance Gibson of Fort Valley, GA; Dawn Shonette Mabry (Lenard) of Perry, GA.; Grand-children: Rebekah, Kalib, and Jordan Gibson; Makiah Jefferson, Donavon, and Dominick Mabry, Taylor Bowdry, Nicholas Tunstell and Ari Tunstell ; and eight great-grandchildren. Her siblings: Amy Chrystal Oates, Fort Valley, GA; Judy Oates, Fort Valley, GA; Rev. Dr. Kimberly Dugger (James) of Fayetteville, GA; Cedric Allen Oates (Makesha) of Fayetteville, GA; Theron Wade Oates of Ellenwood, GA; two spiritual brothers: Rev. Dr. Donald Williams of Fort Valley, GA and Derrick Meadows of Macon, GA; a very devoted cousin Ruby Mathis of Byron, GA and a spiritual sister, Minister Cynthia Dickey of Perry, GA; two special aunts: Martha Oates Anderson (Johnny) of Hopewell, VA and Betty Jean Oates of Atlanta, GA; devoted uncle, Eugene Fluellen of Fort Valley, GA; a devoted friend, Verline Ballard of Fort Valley, GA; three devoted spiritual sisters: Gloria Stone, Harriet Howard-lifelong neighbors; along with a host of other relatives and friends

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brenda Joyce Oates, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

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Friday, February 7, 2025

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Saturday, February 8, 2025

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Saturday, February 8, 2025

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