Mrs. Brenda Miller Byers

Brenda Miller Byers, 80, of Donalds, SC, was born July 19, 1945, as the seventh of seven siblings born to the late W. Andrew and the late Gladys Pruitt Miller. She transitioned to be with the Lord on December 11, 2025. Her educational journey began within the Abbeville County school system, culminating in her graduation from Wright High School. Determined to further her academic pursuits, Brenda pursued her Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Elementary Education at SC State University in Orangeburg, SC. She completed the degree at Lander University in Greenwood, SC and subsequently a Master's degree (M.Ed.) in Education at Clemson University. Brenda returned to her roots in Donalds, dedicating an impressive 40+ years to shaping young minds as an educator. She started and ran the Head Start program in Due West, SC for several years. She later became a second-grade teacher at Merrywood Elementary where she did this for approximately 25 years. She concluded her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Merrywood, and post-retirement as academic coach and long-term substitute in Abbeville and Greenwood counties. The Board of Trustees of District 50 recognized Brenda for her 27 years of influence and effort exerted in the cause for public education and the SC Department of Education and the State Board of Education recognized her for 35 years of service to the children of SC. Former students of Carver Elementary School recognized Brenda for her superior instruction and impeccable leadership. When she eventually completed her educational career, she shifted gears and opened BB's Fashions--a hat and dress boutique in Abbeville. As a lifelong and devoted member of Mt. Lebanon A.M.E. Church, Brenda served as soprano on the Senior Choir, member and President of the Women's Missionary Society (WMS), and a Class Leader. She also served as President of Pastor's Aide Board; former YPD Director; a member of Church School, Program Committee, and Lay Organization; Director of Mt. Lebanon's Second Harvest Food Bank; and as a Steward until she transitioned. Additionally, she was very active on the Seventh Episcopal District, Conference, and District levels of the AME Church. In recognition of her devout service to the AME Church, Brenda was recognized for serving as Chairperson of the Global Housing and Homelessness Initiative by the Seventh Episcopal District WMS; as Greenville Area YPD Director and received the Unsung Heroin Award, the Gems of Love Award, and an Appreciation Award for serving as the NGO Initiative Chairperson by the Piedmont Conference. Commitment to community engagement was exemplified through Brenda's affiliation with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Other civic and social activities included her being a member and President of the Due West Lions Club, the Charmelette Social Club (past President), serving on the Abbeville County Mental Health Board, member of Greenwood County Retired Teachers Association, and member of the RBH Modernistic and the Renaissance Bridge Clubs. Brenda also served on the Little River Electric Board and worked as a poll worker and poll manager for many, many years. Her unwavering dedication and steadfast faith served as a beacon of inspiration, embodying her lifelong mission to positively impact the lives of others and to make a lasting difference in her community. Brenda was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, James E. Byers, Sr; siblings Marion Smith, Andrew Miller Jr, Beatrice Young, Esque Miller and Fred Miller; and grandson Jamaal Byers. Brenda was a great mother and left to cherish fond and loving memories: daughter, Dr. Jameica B. Hill (Jason) of Spartanburg, son, James E. Byers, Jr (Regina) of Belton; sibling, Martha M. Frasier of Donalds; 4 grandchildren, Dr. Shelby Hill, Jason Hill, II (Alana), Jarena Byers, and Jaren Byers; 6 great-grandchildren, Zariah Byers, Zalaia Byers, Avaa Byers, Za'Vierre, Jason Hill, III (aka Trey), and Bryce Hill; cherished sisters-in law, Juanita Miller and Bernice Miller; beloved brothers-in-law, Larry Byers and Charles Byers; close family friend, Virgil Stackhouse; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday Dec 15, 2025 12:30 P.M. at Mt. Lebanon A.M.E. Church, burial will follow at Oakbrook Cemetery. A Delta Sigma Theta Omega Omega Services will be held Monday at 5:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Public viewing will be Monday from 12:00-6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Holloway Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family is at the home.

Mrs. Brenda Miller Byers

July 19, 1945 - December 11, 2025