Brenda Briggs Figueroa ’77

Brenda died Oct. 1, 2022, at home surrounded by her husband and family.

She was born July 6, 1955, in Memphis, Tenn. Brenda was studious, graduating with honors from Frederick Douglass High School in Memphis. She received a full scholarship to Princeton and graduated with a degree in biology. In 1977, Brenda moved to Milwaukee to be near relatives. She joined Providence Baptist and then the New Covenant Baptist Church. teaching Sunday school at both churches. Brenda enjoyed a long career in the Milwaukee school system, teaching at Custer, Hamilton, and Pulaski high schools until retiring.

She also worked at Master Lock and Hertz Car Rental. It was at Hertz that Brenda met her husband of 16 years, Jose Figueroa, who was her primary caregiver.

Brenda is survived by Jose; brothers Fred and Earl; sister Sheila Briggs; niece Shirley Briggs, who served as a caregiver; nephew Pastor Letdell Briggs; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. At Brenda’s request, a traditional funeral service was not held.