Brenda L. Moore-Estes

Brenda L. Moore-Estes, a treasured soul of Saint Joseph, Missouri, departed from this earthly realm on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the age of 84, enveloped in the warmth of her family’s embrace. Born on November 2, 1941, in a world that would soon cherish her indomitable spirit, Brenda illuminated the lives of those around her with her spirited passion for life and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.

From an early age, Brenda exhibited remarkable athleticism and unyielding tenacity, first taking to the diamond as an avid softball player at the tender age of 13. Fearlessly competing against adult men, she showcased her remarkable skill and composure, pitching from the men’s mound and earning respect while playing for John Lucas. Her athletic endeavors did not cease there, as she further cemented her legacy on the basketball courts at the Munchin Berger Recreation Center, energetically challenging younger players, often those a decade or more her junior. Brenda’s love for the game continued vibrantly into her 40s, earning her recognition across the landscapes of Saint Joseph and Kansas City, becoming an emblem of sportsmanship and a beloved community figure.

Brenda's zest for life extended beyond the field; she transformed the streets of her neighborhood into a playground of joy and camaraderie. Carrying her trusty glove, bats, and balls in her vehicle, she organized pick-up games that not only fostered a sense of healthy competition but also nurtured the bonds of community, as local children flocked to her in joyful anticipation.

Affectionately known by a myriad of endearing names — Red, Grandma, Grandmother, Mom, Auntie Baby Red, and Aunt Brenda — she was a beacon of love and support, embracing not only her family but also the neighborhood children who found in her a nurturing presence. Her passion for music was equally significant; Brenda delighted in singing, playing the drums, and strumming the rhythm guitar, often gathering friends and family to share in the melodies of her heart.

Brenda’s journey through life was not without its sorrows, as she was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Rozzetta McDonald, her father, Delbert McDonald Sr., a sister, Shelby Jean Franks, brothers Charles McDonald and Delbert McDonald Junior, and step-daughter Elsa Moore. However, her legacy thrives in the vibrant tapestry of her surviving family members, including her sister, Daphne Stone of Yuma, Arizona, and her devoted sons Jerome Robinson Junior of Sacramento, California, and Frederick S. Moore Junior (Joyce). Additionally, she leaves behind Melva J. Smith (Kenny), Vernail L. Moore, Sr., Mike Harboard, Tamika Collins, Lisa Witherspoon, Lana Moore, Eugene Moore, Michael Brown, Shelly Moore, James Kindred, and a multitude of cherished nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each carrying forward the love and lessons imbued by their matriarch.

Brenda L. Moore-Estes will forever be remembered not just for her indelible mark on the fields of sport or the music she shared, but for the love she radiated and the lives she touched in seemingly infinite ways. A funeral service celebrating her extraordinary life will be held on December 6, 2025, at Holsey Chapel ICM Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri, providing family and friends an opportunity to honor her memory and reflect upon the profound legacy she leaves behind.