Brenda Ann Keller's Obituary
Brenda Ann Keller was born on January 31st, 1952, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Bernard Schrader and Barbara (Freeman) Schrader. Brenda passed away peacefully at home from complications of Multiple System Atrophy with Parkinsonism on January 11, 2024. She graduated from Richard King High School in 1970 and went on to Southwest Texas State University (Texas State), where she graduated in 1973 with a B.A. in Business Administration.
During and after college, Brenda was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. Brenda and her husband, James Keller, also a Texas State graduate and member of Delta Upsilon, have continued to support their alma mater’s student scholarships in the Musical Theatre program with an Endowed Scholarship to Musical Theatre students.
Brenda married James on February 2nd, 1974, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Marcos, Texas. The couple moved to Houston, where Brenda worked for Texas Commerce Bank. She graduated from the University of Houston Law Center in 1981. She passed the Texas Bar and worked as a Staff Attorney in Harris County Probate Court #4 for Judge McCullough for twenty-two years until she retired.
An active member of Second Baptist Church, Houston, she volunteered for many ministries, including Vacation Bible School, and was a Bible Study Fellowship discussion leader for many years. A faithful prayer warrior, she was known to greet anyone in uniform, offer a kind word of encouragement or support, and ask if he or she had a prayer request.
A steward of God’s creation, Brenda supported many animal protection organizations, with her most beloved being the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which operates in Kenya as the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.
Despite her many health challenges, Brenda never complained but embraced the opportunity to spread the love of Jesus to her healthcare workers and other patients, their families, and friends. She loved her husband, James, her pets, her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family and friends. A crossword puzzler and avid reader, she loved to decorate and entertain in her gracious home.
James and Brenda have been season ticket holders for many years, and she was able to watch her beloved Astros win the 2017 and 2022 World Series.
Brenda is survived by her husband, James, a sister, Beverly Schrader Nault, and her husband, Gary Nault. Also, by her beloved niece, Lindsay Nault Valerio and her husband Josh, beloved nephew Evan Nault and his wife Kamie, and their families, including three great-nieces, Riley Valerio, Zoey Valerio, and Nova Nault. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Jill Parker, her husband, Wes Parker, and sister-in-law, Sharon Butler.
Memorial donations:
James and Brenda Keller Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre
Online: donate.txstate.edu
Dallas Theological Seminary
Online: Dts.edu
Dallas Theological Seminary
PO Box 734215
Dallas, TX 75373-4215
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Online: Sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA
25283 Cabot Road
Suite 101
Laguna Hills
CA 92653
John 17:24-26
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Those wishing to watch the Celebration of her life may do so below. The service starts at 14:57 into the video.
https://vimeo.com/914055066
What’s your fondest memory of Brenda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Brenda?
Share a story where Brenda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Brenda you’ll never forget.
How did Brenda make you smile?