Brenda Ann Pieklo

Brenda Ann Pieklo, age 74, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. She was born on December 7, 1951, to Horace and Katherine Johnson, who preceded her in death. Brenda was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1968. On May 23, 1970, she married the love of her life, Stanley Pieklo. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Chicago, where their first daughter, Michelle, was born. In 1972, they relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, seeking warmer winters and a place to build their life together. Their family grew with the birth of daughter Angela and son Brian. From 2005 to 2025, Brenda and Stanley made their home in Salt Springs, Florida, after building their lake house on Lake Kerr-a place that brought her peace and countless cherished memories with family. Brenda dedicated many years of service to others. She worked as a Division Secretary for the Internal Revenue Service, retiring in 2018. She also served as a secretary at St. Matthew's Catholic School while her children attended, a role that allowed her to remain close to her family and school community. Family was always at the heart of Brenda's life. When her children were young, she loved camping on their properties in North Carolina and on the Suwannee River, and exploring Florida's natural springs-creating lasting memories filled with adventure and togetherness. Later in life, she found her greatest joy in being "Gramma" to her five grandchildren. She especially cherished family trips to Disney World, sharing laughter and magical moments with them. Her grandchildren-Ian (Talbott) Sears, Graham Sears, Sarah Sears, Evan Pieklo, and Maddox Pieklo-were truly her pride and joy. Brenda also dearly loved her dog, Willow, who was a constant companion and source of comfort. Brenda knew she was adopted and carried deep gratitude for her parents and extended adopted family, with whom she shared many treasured memories. Later in life, she chose to explore her biological roots through DNA testing, which led to the meaningful blessing of meeting her biological half-sisters, Jan Ericson and Rebecca Sallee, and families-relationships she deeply valued. Brenda is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Stanley Pieklo; her son, Brian Pieklo; her daughter-in-law, Holly Pieklo; her son-in-law, Chris Sears and her beloved grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her cherished daughters, Michelle and Angela, and by her parents. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Church, 2650 Park Street (Park and King), Jacksonville, Florida. A light reception will immediately follow at the church. Brenda's life was defined by love and devotion to family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Brenda Ann Pieklo

December 7, 1951 - February 8, 2026