Queen Brenda Elise Hicks-Russell - A Life of Relentless Love, Servitude, Dedication and Strength

Early Years

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Brenda developed an unwavering sense of pride in her African-American heritage, translating this rich appreciation into a lifelong mission of cultural empowerment.

On February 27, 1953, at the Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital (now known as ECMC), the royal Hicks family welcomed their first baby girl, Brenda Elise Hicks, to her loving parents, Udell and Lucille Hicks, in Buffalo, New York. She was the jewel of the family and often said she felt like  Cinderella because she was not allowed to play outside as often, learn to skate, or swim like her brothers, and was responsible for many household chores. Being the first girl in the family, she was treated like a princess. Brenda grew up surrounded by protection, love at

every turn from an abundance of family and extended family that nurtured her innate creative and intellectual gifts. From a young age, she found solace and delight in drawing, writing, and singing—blessing those around her with her extraordinary vocal talent and opera-like melodies.

Brenda was talented, smart, and LOVED learning. A joy discovered early at Schools #47 and #53, and continued through to East High School and beyond. At East, she contributed to many extracurricular groups. She was a member of the drama club often taking on lead acting and singing roles. She was a member of the Black Student Council, participated in dance classes and sang in the school choir. She was also in a band in 1970’s called Foolish Pleasure singing with her brother Dwight and friends. A band that had the honor of opening up for Lance Diamond.

Becoming Brenda

Brenda married her high school sweetheart, Robert K. Russell, soon after she graduated from East in 1977. A man she remembered as “funny, kind, intelligent and born on the same day as Daddy.” Although they eventually divorced, they remained friends and continued in each other's lives as family. To the extent Brenda continued to claim the Russell’s as her own. Not just in name, but in deed- attending family reunions and keeping in touch with her “in-loves”.

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Brenda smiled through pain for over a decade and was there for others despite her own challenges.

Growing up during an era tarnished by Jim Crow, redlining, injustice, and oppression of her people, Brenda developed an unwavering sense of pride in her African-American heritage. She translated this rich appreciation into a lifelong mission of cultural empowerment, education, and community advocacy. Over her life she was “unapologetically black” 365/24/7, often sashaying custom-made African attire and accessories creatively curated by one of her best friends, Rosetta Costner. This adoration for “home” extended to a personal vow she made to herself, and shared openly with others, that she would make it to ‘The Mother Land’.

A woman of faith, Brenda accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Over her life, she was a dedicated member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a choir member for many years. She was also a fierce supporter of her family’s ministries and often visited and supported The Journey and Renovation Churches.

A Lifelong Educator and Community Leader

Teaching was not merely Brenda’s profession; it was her fundamental calling. Her distinguished career spanned over 30 years as a master educator, curriculum innovator, and debate team coach.

Brenda earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, graduating Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) in 1989. Demonstrating remarkable strength and determination, she balanced raising four children while earning her Master of Science in Education from Capella University in 2010. Over her college career, she earned numerous awards, including induction into the Golden Key National Honor Society. She also became the first African-American inductee into the Universities Alpha Delta Theta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.

Throughout her career, Brenda served across multiple institutions, including Nile Valley Shule, Saint John Christian Academy, Stepping Stone Academy, Community Action Organization (CAO) and the Buffalo Board of Education. She was a pioneer in culturally responsive teaching, developing specialized Afrocentric social studies curricula, guiding geography and archaeology units, and championing equity for English Language Learners and special education students. She was an exceptional educator that taught the whole person-mind, body, and spirit, in a unique manner that left permeant impressions. Although Brenda retired from teaching with the Buffalo Public School system on March 27, 2018, testimonies of her impact continue to this day through the many graduated students that remember her kindness and exceptional care.

Her commitment to her village extended far beyond the classroom. Recognized across Western New York with honors such as the Black Achievers in Industry Award (2008) and Roses for Outstanding Women (2016), an honor that was saluted by community members and politicians throughout WNY such as former Mayor and brother-friend Byron Brown, former Legislator Betty Jean Grant, former Congressman Brian Higgins and Congressman Tim Kennedy. Brenda was a detailed organizer for major community initiatives, including the Langston Hughes Institute Caribbean Festival, Black History Month programs, and neighborhood vendor bazaars. Her writing was something that everyone looked to, and she often used that gift to serve. She served as the secretary for Family Reunion Committees, Alpha Delta Theta and Blaine Avenue Block Club #1. She also was the unofficial ‘Grammar and Spelling Corrector’ in every family chat or program, for every school essay, public article, or even Facebook post. She was always a generous well of wisdom—connecting people near and far to essential resources, guiding loved ones through publishing books, and encouraging everyone to "know thyself".

Devoted to Family

Family meant everything to Queen Brenda. She loved sacrificially. She already had three boys, Bobby, Ray, Martin, and one daughter, Aisha. However, in her years of retirement, she cultivated a special connection with her granddaughter Serenity, who she raised as her own daughter, and her grandson Joshua, who she later adopted.

She took on her nieces Rashika, Tatesha, Deonna, Shiann and nephews Ron (although he was raised with her more like a sibling), Aaron, and Eddie Jr., like her own. She, and her siblings raised their children as close as siblings would be, not just cousins. She always made sure they all were active every Kwanzaa season and made it her personal mission to make them all aware of their rich African ancestry and history. She was a dedicated mother, giving all she had to this vital role and calling. Although her village was large and strong, she often shouldered the weight of parenthood alone, attending every doctor’s appointment, parent-teacher conference, special event of her children and grandchildren, etc. Out of all the special occasions and accomplishments, her favorite was “graduations.” She loved to witness her family ‘win’, especially in education.

Although Brenda did not enjoy the hours and sometimes days of prep work that came from family time, which is one of the reasons she ‘retired’ from making the dressing, she truly valued quality time with her family. Everything from Friday fish fry's and Sunday dinners, to card parties and impromptu cookouts. She enjoyed fellowshipping with ALL her family in purposeful memory making that she would archive with her exclusive selfies taken with each family member. Some of the occasions she valued most were Family Reunions. A time where she got to hug the neck of family that she’d often talk to in phone calls, or Facebook messages, but didn’t have an opportunity to see them in the flesh until those intentional gatherings.

She was surprisingly hilarious in a way that one wouldn’t expect from the astute teacher of the bunch. She had a clever and shockingly comical way of turning most any conversation into a punchline about adult ‘relations.’ She was a bold and opinionated truth teller. She spoke her mind with class, in love, and lived a life proving that failure is not an option. Living out one of her favorite scriptures, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” - Philippians 4:13.

Tutu Nahna

A Ferocious Fighter- Queen Brenda smiled through pain for over a decade and was there for others despite her own challenges. She earned her rest from pain and illness the morning of September 3, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Udell Hicks and Lucille Colston Hicks, and her brothers, Gregory Dwight Hicks, Udell "Junior" Hicks, and Ronald Hicks Sr.

Her torch of wisdom, unconditional love, and grace remains brightly lit through the legacy of her family- Children: Robert Udell Russell, Aisha Russell, Rayshad (Danielle) Russell, Martin Russell, and Joshua Russell. Grandchildren: Serenity Russell, Isaiah Russell, Rayshad Russell, Tamia Bolton, and Tyekwon Neal. Siblings: Dwight Hicks (Yvette), Cynthia Russell (Eddie), Beverly Hicks-Johnson (Jerome), and sisters-in-love Rosemary Hicks and Rosalyn Taylor. Extended Village: A cherished host of nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, long-time friends, neighbors, and many unofficially adopted children who lovingly called her "Mom" like Julienne ‘Isis’ and others.

Queen Brenda Elise Hicks-Russell walked with an abundance of poise, radiated an ethereal beauty, and illuminated every room with her warm smile and infectious personality. She always gave more than she took. Showed compassion and gave space for everyone she came in contact with, to the point that many people thought they were her best friend. Her exercise of selfless service, matchless wit, and unconditional love will endure in the hearts of all who knew her as they hold the torch high confirming “love is an action word.” Brenda DID make it to the Motherland, and now has entered into the Promised Land. PEACE!

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Renovation Church, 567 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14207. Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00 p.m.