Brenda Joyce Ware

On September 11, 2026, we arrived to learn that our amazing mother, Brenda Joyce Ware, had slipped away peacefully in her sleep, having cast off her earthly worries and cares. Mom was born in Plant City, FL, on December 23, 1955, to her loving parents, Elton Joseph Ware and Pearlie Mae Ware, both of whom preceded her in death. Her life is held in the highest regard by family, friends, coworkers, and all who came to know her, leaving precious memories that will continue through love, family, music, art, and food.

God granted Mom 70 wonderful years on this earth, and she spent them serving her family with unyielding devotion, wisdom, courage, and sacrifice. As a child, Auntie said Mom was a bookworm, always tucked away with a book. Mom was a natural creative, with interests in culinary arts, fashion, performing arts, and theater as a teenager, and was a cast member in the play “The Nutcracker.” Her brother said she was the first black hippie he knew. Mom was a part of the desegregation of Marshall High School into Plant City High School, where she graduated in 1973.

Mom had diverse work experience, including factory work, cashier, secretary, tailor, and cook, as well as director of a child care center and children's librarian for the City of Lakeland, where she retired after 14 years of service. Mom raised 4 children while always opening her home to her many nieces, nephews, and friends and always being ready to support her mom and siblings. Mom married Willie Lucas, Sr., and they created a blended family of 7. They later divorced, but the family bonds were lifelong.

Mom obtained her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College in 2002 and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Argosy University in 2007. Mom continued her artistry, releasing 2 music projects and performing locally at various churches and online, including winning First Place in the City of Lakeland Talent Show and performing on stage with Shirley Caesar at Carpenter Home Church.

Mom gave her life to Christ as a young woman and lived faithfully in prayer and in a true, personal relationship with the Lord. She prayed over her family and carried her calling as the eldest Ware child with honor, devotion, and love. She leaves to cherish her memory her spouse, Willie Lucas, Sr.; children Ama Chandra Danita Brown, Joseph Antoinne Ware (Shanekquia), Willie Leandri Lucas, Jr., Jon Maurice Ware (Mikale), and Crystal Yvette Ware; grandchildren Danitajoyce La’Shaye Ware, Roland McNeal, Rashaun McNeal, Jai’Drynn Smith, Mikayla Kelis Ware, Eugene Harry Levy, Jr., Jailyn Antoinne Ware, Tano Anokye Donko Brown, Joshlynn Mae’lee Ware, and Matthew Joyce Brown; great‑grandchildren Liana Sekani Taylor North and DaShaun Davontaye Jewel McNeal. She also leaves her siblings Julia Harrel, Annie Crump Gray, Theresa Roberts (D), Katheryn Ware (D), Ralph Ware (D), Vanessa Washington (D), Eldon Ware, Karen Ware, John Ware, Malvin Ware, and Kevin Ware; brothers‑in‑law Leroy, Alvin, Rodney, and Nathaniel Lucas; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Her Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11 am at Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church, 1240 N. Ohio Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805. Repass to follow at the Coleman-Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805.