“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope
that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say,
'I used everything you gave me'.”
~Erma Bombeck~
Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Author, Consultant, Preacher, Teacher & Cancer Survivor
Rev. Brenda Joyce Williams Nichols grew up in Memphis, TN as a preacher’s kid surrounded with the love of her family and extended church family. Embracing a strong work ethic, she’s worked in various occupations: computer operations, word processing, statistical typist, and as a legal secretary. In 2006, she retired from FedEx after twenty-three years (23) of corporate administration and customer service. She’s labored in love with caring for aging parents, friends and loved ones with mental and emotional disabilities, and counseling others utilizing emphatic listening and discernment skills through intercessory prayer.
At an early age, Brenda discovered her creative niche for writing, storytelling, and stage productions. Oftentimes, she was told by her mother that she was using too much paper and crayons. Brenda's response was, "It's fascinating to see a blank sheet of paper suddenly become filled with pictures and words......it's magical." In order to keep her occupied, her job was to help her father with his biblical studies and sermon writing. Hence, the developing author, playwright, preacher, and publisher emerged.
Brenda attended Memphis City Schools and is a life-long student with a continuous yearning to learn. She attended: Riverview Elementary & Jr. High Schools, George Washington Carver High School (1974), Rust College, Holly Springs, MS, Shelby State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Digital Graphic Design Diploma 2012), (MCUTS) Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies, B.A. Biblical Studies & Christian Ministries (2015).
In 2013, she was licensed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and ordained in 2015 under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Eric Lowell Winston, Mt. Zion Parkway, Memphis, TN. In 2015, she joined the office staff at First Congregational Church (United Church of Christ), 1000 South Cooper, Memphis TN 38103, as a ministerial mentee, under Rev. Sonia Louden Walker (Associate Pastor). Her administrative skills quickly advanced her to the role of Office Manager. In 2020, her exemplary zeal for evangelism and outreach promoted her to Assistant Director of Food Justice Ministries. Brenda provides daily pastoral support to the hundreds of souls who come to the church for lunch and food pantry services, and inspired assistance to the staff and volunteers who serve this busy ministry. She brings a caring and charismatic nurturing presence to all she meets.
In 2017 and 2019, she was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Brenda states passionately, “It is good that I was afflicted. Having survived two bouts of TNBC and two corneal transplants, I’m more than passionate to tell the world that God is still in the healing, deliverance, and miracle working business. Truly when you look at me. . . you’re looking at a miracle!” Brenda is the author and publisher of five books with many more to come. In her non-fiction book, “Blind But Now I See (Living with Keratoconus),” she gives testament of how her eyesight was healed through corneal transplants in 1991 and 1993. She is passionate about writing both fiction and non-fiction; coaching and mentoring others to pursue their God-given gifts and talents; talking to others about writing their testimonies; believing that it’s possible to turn dreams into realities; and, knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Minister Brenda serves as an Associate Minister at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1394 South Willie Mitchell Blvd., Memphis, TN, pastored by Minister Gary Williams. With her husband, Reginold, they are enjoying their semi-retired lives, five adult children, three daughters-in-love, and seven grandchildren, In April 2020, they will celebrate forty years of marriage. To God Be The Glory!
At an early age, Brenda discovered her creative niche for writing, storytelling, and stage productions. Oftentimes, she was told by her mother that she was using too much paper and crayons. Brenda's response was, "It's fascinating to see a blank sheet of paper suddenly become filled with pictures and words......it's magical." In order to keep her occupied, her job was to help her father with his biblical studies and sermon writing. Hence, the developing author, playwright, preacher, and publisher emerged.
Brenda attended Memphis City Schools and is a life-long student with a continuous yearning to learn. She attended: Riverview Elementary & Jr. High Schools, George Washington Carver High School (1974), Rust College, Holly Springs, MS, Shelby State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Digital Graphic Design Diploma 2012), (MCUTS) Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies, B.A. Biblical Studies & Christian Ministries (2015).
In 2013, she was licensed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and ordained in 2015 under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Eric Lowell Winston, Mt. Zion Parkway, Memphis, TN. In 2015, she joined the office staff at First Congregational Church (United Church of Christ), 1000 South Cooper, Memphis TN 38103, as a ministerial mentee, under Rev. Sonia Louden Walker (Associate Pastor). Her administrative skills quickly advanced her to the role of Office Manager. In 2020, her exemplary zeal for evangelism and outreach promoted her to Assistant Director of Food Justice Ministries. Brenda provides daily pastoral support to the hundreds of souls who come to the church for lunch and food pantry services, and inspired assistance to the staff and volunteers who serve this busy ministry. She brings a caring and charismatic nurturing presence to all she meets.
In 2017 and 2019, she was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Brenda states passionately, “It is good that I was afflicted. Having survived two bouts of TNBC and two corneal transplants, I’m more than passionate to tell the world that God is still in the healing, deliverance, and miracle working business. Truly when you look at me. . . you’re looking at a miracle!” Brenda is the author and publisher of five books with many more to come. In her non-fiction book, “Blind But Now I See (Living with Keratoconus),” she gives testament of how her eyesight was healed through corneal transplants in 1991 and 1993. She is passionate about writing both fiction and non-fiction; coaching and mentoring others to pursue their God-given gifts and talents; talking to others about writing their testimonies; believing that it’s possible to turn dreams into realities; and, knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Minister Brenda serves as an Associate Minister at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1394 South Willie Mitchell Blvd., Memphis, TN, pastored by Minister Gary Williams. With her husband, Reginold, they are enjoying their semi-retired lives, five adult children, three daughters-in-love, and seven grandchildren, In April 2020, they will celebrate forty years of marriage. To God Be The Glory!