Brenda Spicer

In Loving Memory of Brenda Spicer 

December 18, 1950 – July 16th, 2025

Brenda Spicer, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 16th, 2025 at the age of 74. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 18, 1950, she was the cherished daughter of Alvin Aniton and Norma Stubblefield.

Brenda lived a life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. Guided always by her unwavering devotion to Jesus, she was a lifelong student of Scripture. If you came to Brenda with a question, she’d return with not just a thoughtful answer, but the wisdom and research to back it. Her mind was sharp, her heart open, and her spirit anchored in love.

She grew up in a bustling, love-filled multi-family household alongside her mother Norma, brother Donnell Aniton, her sister Vanessa Ligon, grandparents Charles and Rebuth Stubblefield, her Uncle Frankie and Aunt Jo Frances Reed and their children Frankie Reed and Carolyn Reed Collins, who were more like her brother and sister than cousins. Her mother and grandmother greatly influenced her. To Brenda, family was everything — not extended, just family — and she dedicated her life to keeping that bond alive and thriving.

Brenda was continuously surrounded by love from both parents. Her Father, Alvin Aniton, retired from the Airforce and settled in Dayton, Ohio. He and his wife, Rocile “Shortie” Aniton, had three children, her siblings, Randall Aniton, Dale Aniton and LaRita Aniton. Though her siblings resided in Dayton, Brenda spent a lot of time traveling up and down the highway to love on her Dayton Family. Alvin and Rocile’s home, much like her mother Norma, was ground zero to the multitude of Aniton family cousins and siblings who visited each year. Alvin’s consistency greatly contributed to the close bond that Brenda enjoyed not only with her maternal side of the family but her paternal side as well.

In 1984, Brenda met the love of her life, John Lombardi. Together, they built a life of over 28 years full of joy, music, dancing, family, food, and faith. Their love was a testament to how two people from different worlds could create a beautiful, lasting connection that inspired all who knew them.

Brenda was a born leader — wise, compassionate, and tireless in her commitment to others. Whether she was serving as Co-Choir Director, teaching Sunday School, leading a dance troupe, or mediating, Brenda always answered the call to serve. Her impact reached far beyond the church and into the professional world, where she worked for over 30 years at the Navy Finance Center/DFAS. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, she fought with grace and fire to protect the rights of others and to ensure that dignity and fairness were non-negotiable in the workplace.

Even in retirement, Brenda never stopped working to uplift those around her. Her home was a refuge, her counsel a gift, and her love a constant source of strength.

She is survived by her daughter, Evonne Jackson (Larry), her son Ricardo J. Spicer (Sabrena Gates) and six grandchildren: Xavier Aniton, Mia Spicer, Niko Spicer, Larry Jackson, III, Heaven Jackson and her four great-grandchildren, Syncere, DJ, Zöe, and Tré; Siblings: Donnell Aniton (Debbie), Dale Aniton (Chris), Vannesa Ligon (Vincent) and LaRita Mapp (Tommy).

She also leaves behind a host of family and friends who she loved deeply — more than words can say.

Brenda’s life was a song of love, service, laughter, and faith. She leaves behind a legacy of connection, compassion, and unshakable strength. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

The service will be live streamed via a link on this web page.   Please click on the link 15 minutes prior to the service?  Please know that there is a slight delay in the transmission, so be patient.  Thank you.