In lieu of flowers, the Grier family requests that donations be made to:

The Melvin and Brenda T. Grier Urologic Cancer Research and Education Fund

https://foundation.uc.edu/GrierFund | The University of Cincinnati Foundation | PO Box 19970 | Cincinnati, Ohio  45219-0970

A native Cincinnatian, Brenda Turner Grier was born and raised in the West End.  She lived with her mother and step-father, along with her sister and two brothers.

"As I look back, I have always been thankful to my parents, because regardless of the many challenges and struggles that we faced, they were there to ensure that we continued on a path to pursue our dreams and possibilities."

Brenda attended the neighborhood schools.  "Because I had the academic ability and the financial support from the federal government, I was able to go to college."  Eventually, she met and married Melvin Grier who has a distinguished career as an award-winning photojournalist.  They have been married for 55 years.  "I would say that I am the luckiest woman in the world because Melvin has been there and provided me with the love and support I needed which allowed me to accomplish many of my significant achievements."

Brenda says, "because of my compassion, empathy and sensitivity for people, I knew from the beginning that I would choose a profession involved with helping others."  Consequently, her first college degree was a Bachelor's Degree of Social Work from The University of Cincinnati, College of Community Services.   With the support of the late dean of the college, Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins, Brenda was active in the college and graduated with honors in 1972, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and community service.

After graduation, Brenda's first full-time job was with The Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, under the leadership of Tom Grogan.  "I continue to be grateful and appreciative for the knowledge that I gained from this experience.  Even today, I think about that being one of the best jobs that I had."

Since Brenda and Melvin settled in Avondale, Brenda wanted to get involved with the community.  She volunteered to work with the Avondale Community Council.  Later, when The Avondale Redevelopment Corporation was established, she was a board member and worked with Jim King, the executive director.  Under King's direction, the council was able to provide market-rate housing which helped significantly transform the community in a positive direction.

In her desire to work in the administrative component of social work, Brenda decided to go back to The University of Cincinnati and pursue a degree in public administration.  While continuing to work and attending part-time, she obtained a Masters Degree in Public Affairs.  "I also started wanting to raise a family, and Melvin and I decided to adopt our son Miles.  We realized early on that Miles was academically gifted and we were committed to making sure that he got the best education available."  Miles graduated from St. Xavier High School, then Washington University and obtained his Ph.D. in American Studies from New York University.  "We love our son very much, and for the past 40 years, he has been a pleasure and a joy."

Five years after Miles, Samantha was born.  She chose to follow her father's footsteps and, after attending St. Ursula Academy, she obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Ohio University in Visual Communication, with a focus on photojournalism.  She has participated in several photography shows around the city and was awarded Pictures of the Year International First Place Award for best interactive Publication-Small Media.  If one remembers the giant "Kearney for Senate" billboards that graced the highways in 2010, then they have seen some of Samantha's outstanding photography skills.   "Our daughter has been a light in our life and we have always loved and appreciated her.  We also have enjoyed the relationship we have developed with her significant other, Brian Murphy," Brenda says.

An individual who was significant in Brenda's professional and personal life was former Cincinnati Public School Board President Eileen Cooper Reed.  They worked together when Reed was a judge in juvenile court and Brenda was PTA president at her children's school.   "I enjoyed our conversations," Brenda said.  "She provided many opportunities for me to gain further insight and direction about life."

During this time, Brenda also started and ran a house-cleaning business, Bucketts, Mopps & Raggs.  "I will say that a great way to learn about yourself, and to gain stamina, perseverance and strength is to run a business," Brenda says.   The business was also located in Avondale and ran for 13 years.

After she decided to end the business, Brenda returned to her first love, social work.  She obtained an LSW social work license and after several job experiences, landed a job at Beech Acres, working with Joan Gallenstein. "Joan was a wonderful supervisor and I value the time that I spent with her," Brenda says.

Because requirements in the field had changed, Brenda felt that to be considered a more experienced social worker, she needed to obtain a graduate degree in social work.  While working at Talbert House-Passages, with Rose Henderson, not only did she experience a rewarding career opportunity, but they provided financial assistance that allowed Brenda to earn a second graduate degree.  She enrolled at The University of Cincinnati, School of Social Work.  While there, she was fortunate enough to receive support and encouragement from Dr. Jeannette Taylor.  After four years of working and attending school part-time, she received her Masters Degree in Social Work.

"Today, I have a rewarding and fulfilling job with children as a group therapist at St. Aloysius.  St. Aloysius has continued to provide additional support, enabling me to further my professional development with supervision and continuing education training."  Brenda remains a member of the Avondale Community Council and is currently working with A29, a neighborhood community organization.

"My love and support for my family is never ending.  My sister, Janet Turner, long-standing friend, Dr. Mary M. Churchill, and dear friend and neighbor, Johnie Davis, continue to motivate me to reach higher and enjoy life.  The additional support from friends and relatives has been invaluable."