Brenda M. Dixon Wiley-Appling

Brenda Marie (Dixon) Appling-Wiley: A Lover of Family and Cooking

Brenda Marie Wiley Appling was born October 2, 1947, to Bernice Maggie Leake (Dixon) and Willie Dixon in Philadelphia, PA.  Brenda is one of thirteen children born through this union.  She was called to eternal rest on Tuesday February 12, 2025.  She now joins her parents, her husband Joseph, other siblings: Stephen, James, Gary, Lawrence, Daniel, Sheila, Keith and one Great Grand Daughter Amara who have proceeded her in death.

She was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and graduated from Simon Gratz High School.  Following her education, she worked for Gordon Davis for many years until the company closed.  She then joined the staff of Germantown Hospital, where she remained until her retirement.

Brenda was a kind, loving and giving person who would not let anyone she knew, or saw be in need. She was a family-oriented person. Family meant everything to her. Having family around brought her great joy. As the matriarch of the family, she was the glue to ensuring all family members got to know one another and spent time together. She enjoyed cooking, planning family events, traveling, the theater and concerts.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, and with that those to cherish her memory which include Her Son (Paul) daughter (Tawanda), Five Grand Children (Tiyanna, Vernisha, Fatimah, Alil and Chestnut), Four Great Grand Children (Kayden, Zion, Ivy and Zyaire) Six siblings (Calvin, Willie Paul, Denise, Sherri, Thomas (Deborah) and Walter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin,  other family members and friends.

Prayer:

May I go now? Do you think the time is Right? May I say goodbye to pain-filled days and endless lonely nights?  I’ve lived my life and done my best, an example I tried to be.  So, can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? Thank you so for loving me.  You know I loved you, too. That’s why it’s hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.  So, hold me now, just one more time and let me hear you …Because you care so much for me, you’ll let me go today.

Help us, God, to focus on that which enables us to keep going.  Remind us that time will never erase memories and that for a moment we’re not alone as we sit here together.  We give thanks for the time we had with our loved one, both the ups and downs of living life, but most of all we’re grateful for the love which is stronger than death.  Help us to bear our sorrow without bitterness, to look forward slowly, one day at a time and to gain some comfort from those who can help us ease our pain…Be with us now as we encourage and support each other.  Amen

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