A QUEEN IS CROWNED
by Frank Gist
The farewell celebration for Brenda Elise Hicks-Russell was an explosion of sound, color, and love. Hundreds gathered at RENOVATION CHURCH LOCATED AT 567 Hertel Ave, TO celebrate the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of a remarkable woman.
Brenda Elise Hicks-Russell
Brenda was well known and deeply loved throughout Buffalo’s African American cultural community. She possessed an unwavering pride in her African American heritage and transformed that appreciation into a lifelong mission of cultural empowerment, education, and community advocacy.
Brenda was “Unapologetically Black” 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. She often sashayed into a room wearing custom-made African attire and accessories creatively designed by one of her best friends, Rosetta Costner. Her love for Africa— “the Motherland”—inspired a personal promise that she shared openly with others: One day, she would make it home.
A woman of deep faith, Brenda accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Throughout her life, she was a devoted member of Friend ship Missionary Baptist Church.
A Ferocious Fighter
Queen Brenda smiled through the pain for more than a decade. Despite her own health challenges, she continued to be there for others. On the morning of September 3, 2026, she earned her eternal rest from pain and illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Udell Hicks and Lucille Colston Hicks, and her brothers, Gregory Dwight Hicks, Udell “Junior” Hicks, and Ronald Hicks Sr.
Her torch of wisdom, unconditional love, and grace continues to shine brightly through the legacy of her family. Her children are Robert Udell Russell, Aisha Russell, Rayshad (Danielle) Russell, Martin Russell, and Joshua Russell. Her grand children are Serenity Russell, Isaiah Russell, Rayshad Russell, Tamia Bolton, and Tyekwon Neal.
Her siblings are Dwight Hicks (Yvette), Cynthia Russell (Eddie), and Beverly Hicks-Johnson (Jerome). She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-love, Rosemary Hicks and Rosalyn Taylor. Brenda leaves behind an extended village of cherished nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, longtime friends, neighbors, and the many unofficially adopted children who lovingly called her “Mom,” including Julienne “Isis” and many others.
Queen Brenda Elise Hicks Russell walked through life with tremendous poise. She radiated an ethereal beauty and illuminated every room with her warm smile and infectious personality. She always gave more than she took, offering compassion, friendship, and a welcoming space to everyone she encoun tered. She made people feel so special that many believed they were her best friend.
Her selfless service, match less wit, and unconditional love will endure in the hearts of everyone who knew her. As they carry her torch forward, they will continue to demonstrate the principle by which she lived:
“Love is an action word.”
Queen Brenda did make it to the Motherland—and now she has entered the Promised Land.