Dr. Brenda J. Graham, 48 of Oakland City, passed away in her sleep at her home from a massive heart attack on Wednesday evening.

She was born Nov. 1, 1962 in Evansville.

Brenda attended Vogel School and graduated from North High School in 1981.  She received a bachelor of music education degree from the University of Evansville, a master of music education degree from Murray State University and a doctorate of music education degree from Indiana University. 

She taught at Trinity Lutheran School in Darmstadt, Helfrich Park Middle School in Evansville and at Oakland City University for the past eight years.

Brenda was the daughter of June Tait Graham and the late Dellas (Del) Ray Graham, and the granddaughter of the late Charles and Beulah Tait, and the late Clyde and Edith Graham of Grayville, Ill.

She is survived by her mother; sister Debi (Eric) Hassler; brother, Greg (Michelle) Graham; nephews and nieces,  Clay and Tiffany Hassler, Cameron Hassler, Amanda Graham and Charlie Graham; aunt, Ava Walker of Lawrenceville, Ill., and uncles, Don Graham of Tennessee, Densil Graham of Illinois, Bobby Graham of Georgia and Larry Graham of Arizona.

She was also preceded in death by her uncle, Max Walker; and cousin, Kenny Graham.

Brenda will be remembered for her sweet soprano voice, her violin, her knitting needles and her sweet, gentle and generous nature.  She will be missed by her church family at Francisco General Baptist Church, a host of friends and relatives, and her colleagues at Oakland City University.

Her family wishes to thank and comfort all who knew her.  Thank you for your kindness to her and us.  By our timing, it was much too soon, but we respect God’s timing.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011 at Francisco General Baptist Church with Dr. Darrell Hillhouse and Dr. Ora Johnson officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her father at Blue Grass Cemetery in Evansville.

Friends may visit from 1-8 p.m. Wednesday at Corn-Colvin Funeral Home in Oakland City.