Celebrating the life of
Brenda Gustin Smith
October 06, 1970 - May 22, 2016
Brenda (Boo) Smith died unexpectedly at home Sunday night, May 22, 2016. Brenda was born October 6, 1970, to Mary Ann and William (Bill) Gustin here in Savannah, Georgia where she spent her entire life. She was a very loving and extremely generous person who was loved by all who knew her. If you needed “it” and she had “it”, she would give it to you with her beautiful smile.
She attended Hancock Day School, Hesse Elementary School, and graduated from Savannah Christian Preparatory School. She attended Armstrong College for a period of time, but chose marriage and family life instead. She worked for several physicians in Savannah and became quite knowledgeable in whichever field she was working. Medicine was her true passion.
Brenda continued working until the birth of her, Stephen Douglas Smith in May of 2000. She was a great mom for a boy and participated in all of his activities – they were extremely close and active fishing buddies. Unfortunately, Stephen’s father’s work forced him to move to Atlanta, which was quite a loss for her.
Brenda was predeceased by her maternal grandparents and paternal great grandmother. The loss of her stepfather, Malcolm Seckinger was her greatest loss as they were extremely close. She is survived by her son, Stephen, mother, Mary Ann Lanham Seckinger, father William S. Gustin, sisters Beth Stokes, Kathryn Penny, Rachel Zaiser, and brothers Wyley and Donny Gustin.
Graveside funeral services are planned for Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Save-A-Life Animal Rescue Organization, The Savannah Humane Society, or your favorite animal rescue unit.
Great fun, fond memories and happy thoughts fill my mind of you, Boo! We worked together, laughed, danced, sang and even cried sometimes, all good! Thank you for being there for me through some trying times and thank you, the most, for being a true friend! Your smile and laugh was infectious and could brighten up any room. Your nurturing, thoughtful, caring ways could calm a troubled soul. Brenda, I will miss you and think of you often and even though your light has faded, from this earth, your light will never fade and will always burn brightest in the hearts and souls of those lives you've touched with your kind, generous spirit and those who were lucky enough to have known you, loved you and called you their friend! My condolences to Brenda's family on your profound loss of such a beautiful, caring, selfless soul, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Soar Boo Angel, Soar! Love you my friend...Laura Loo (Your Lamb)
- Laura Ambrose, Savannah, Ga
A good heart has stopped, A good soul has ascended to heaven. You will be missed. R.I.P Brenda.
- Tay Laster, Massillon, OH
Our deepest condolences
- Joel Mary Homansky, Tybee, Ga
Please except my Condolences Mrs.Seckinger,Stephen and Rachel. I was very Sadden to hear the terrible news of Brenda's passing. I met Brenda when we all hung out at Puttputt in the late 80's. It turned out to be a lifelong friendship with her. She always had a big Smile for me and wanted to know how I was doing whenever I saw her. Brenda will be missed dearly.
- Mark Warren, Savannah , Ga
I was Brenda's first grade teacher at Hancock. She was a bright shining star with such a gentle, kind heart. I have some sweet, sweet memories of her at the tender age of 6. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with the Gustin/Seckinger families. May the wonderful memories you have of Brenda and God's love and strength help you during this difficult time.
- Brenda Brown, Savannah, Ga
My heart is so saddened. Brenda was my sister-in-law, but more like a real sister. I always loved visiting Savannah because I knew that at some time during the visit I would see her smiling face, get a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and hear her say she loved me. I will miss her dearly. My wife Beth, Brenda, Kathe, Rachel, Mary Ann and Mac, nieces and nephews have always been a blessing and bright spot in my life. I am sure Brenda's smile is lighting up heaven right now. I love you too Sis.
- Alan Stokes, Jacksonville, Fl
Brenda was one of the first neighbors we met when we bought the house across the street in 2004. Her smile and friendly greeting made us feel welcome right away. I remember always seeing her out playing in the yard with Stephen when he was small, trips to the pool, baseball in the yard. When we adopted our children, I think Brenda was almost as excited about it as we were. She truly loved kids, and was really good with them. I hope I am the same kind of loving, fun mom she was. I know she had some struggles over the years that I have known her, but she has always remained a beautiful and generous person. It has been an honor to have her as a neighbor and friend. Brenda will be truly missed.
- Tracy Storey, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was loved and will be missed.
- Tonja Tuten Linton, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. Brenda was such a sweet person. Her smile was infectious. She will be missed.
- Mallie and Sally Seckinger, Savannah, Ga
I've known Boo , Mary Ann , Rachel and Mac for a long time and are family to me. Boo and Rachel were Like my sisters! I'm very lucky to have this family in my life . I was sad and numb when I got the news of Boo. My condolences to the extended family.
- Joey Costa, Savannah, Ga
Brenda was a very sweet girl,her and my daughter Alicia Campbell were very close when they were young.R.I.P. Brenda
- david denmark, sav., ga.
so sorry and sad about the loss of Brenda my heart aches for her whole family, RIP Brenda and fly high Angel
- Thomas and Meg Herrmann, Savannah, Ga
Sending our deepest condolences to Brenda's family. So sad my God shine over your hearts and help with the loss of a wonderful woman. <3
- Annie and Frankie Vaz, Savannah , Ga
Gonna miss you. Miss skating and everything else.
- Shelly gunn Compton , Savannah, Ga
I was so saddened to hear of Brenda's passing. Everyone loved Brenda and when i arrived at SCPS middle school, she was one of the first people to approach me and welcome me with a big smile. I can still hear her big laugh. I am so sorry for your loss, it is a loss to everyone that knew her.
- Stacey Stevenson , Savannah , GA
Brenda and I date back to 1976/77, Mrs. Gaillard's Pre-first class at Hancock, and we were in school together through graduation at SCPS. I'm pretty sure I spent the night away from home for the first time at her house and I'm positive my first full-fledged slumber party with multiple girls was at her house. So many sweet memories of a beautiful, kind, quietly cool young lady. She will be dearly missed. Praying for comfort and the peace that surpasses all understanding for the Gustin, Seckinger, and Smith families.
- Shondi Klees Karoudjian, Savannah, GA
I will miss you dearly Boo. I know now you are at piece with no struggles. Take care of Mac for your mom and watch over us. I love you so much my sister and I will see you One day again.
- Cindy lee Huggins, Hoschton, Ga
Sorry for your lose
- Eric g White Sr , Savannah , Ga
Stephen, I am praying for you and your family! I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Mrs. Burnsed SCPS LS Counselor
- Cindy Burnsed, Savannah, GA
I've known Brenda my entire life. We could go go years without seeing one another but never failed to call one another on our shared birthday. She always brought joy into my life and she will be deeply missed. I pray for peace and understanding to her family.
- Amy Eileen Hudspeth , Richmond Hill, Ga
I am so very sorry, Brenda and I used to have some amazing talks and lots of laughs...The world will miss her
- Keith Morris, Savannah, Ga
I will always remember her from our days at Savannah Christian. Fly high Brenda and you will be missed, from your Raider family!! Heidi
- Heidi Allen, Savannah, Ga
My heart aches for Marianne Stephen,Rachel, Kathy, Beth and the rest of the family. We have been a part of Boo's Family just as they have been a part of our family for close to 30 years. We shared many wonderful memories as well as a many tough times. However through it all losing Brenda has been the toughest she was loving,compassionate and always willing to help someone in time of need with that beautiful smile. I love you Boo and all the family and know she will be truly missed. Fly High Our Beautiful Angel.
- Paige Schuman, Savannah, Ga
Brenda was one of the sweetest people I ever met while enjoying our teenage years roller skating. She was always smiling and willing to help everyone. Such a sad loss! RIP! LOVE, BOBBI
- Bobbi Wilson, Savannah , Ga
Great fun, fond memories and happy thoughts fill my mind of you, Boo! We worked together, laughed, danced, sang and even cried sometimes, all good! Thank you for being there for me through some trying times and thank you, the most, for being a true friend! Your smile and laugh was infectious and could brighten up any room. Your nurturing, thoughtful, caring ways could calm a troubled soul. Brenda, I will miss you and think of you often and even though your light has faded, from this earth, your light will never fade and will always burn brightest in the hearts and souls of those lives you've touched with your kind, generous spirit and those who were lucky enough to have known you, loved you and called you their friend! My condolences to Brenda's family on your profound loss of such a beautiful, caring, selfless soul, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Soar Boo Angel, Soar! Love you my friend...Laura Loo (Your Lamb)
- Laura Ambrose, Savannah, Ga
A good heart has stopped, A good soul has ascended to heaven. You will be missed. R.I.P Brenda.
- Tay Laster, Massillon, OH
Our deepest condolences
- Joel Mary Homansky, Tybee, Ga
Please except my Condolences Mrs.Seckinger,Stephen and Rachel. I was very Sadden to hear the terrible news of Brenda's passing. I met Brenda when we all hung out at Puttputt in the late 80's. It turned out to be a lifelong friendship with her. She always had a big Smile for me and wanted to know how I was doing whenever I saw her. Brenda will be missed dearly.
- Mark Warren, Savannah , Ga
I was Brenda's first grade teacher at Hancock. She was a bright shining star with such a gentle, kind heart. I have some sweet, sweet memories of her at the tender age of 6. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with the Gustin/Seckinger families. May the wonderful memories you have of Brenda and God's love and strength help you during this difficult time.
- Brenda Brown, Savannah, Ga
My heart is so saddened. Brenda was my sister-in-law, but more like a real sister. I always loved visiting Savannah because I knew that at some time during the visit I would see her smiling face, get a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and hear her say she loved me. I will miss her dearly. My wife Beth, Brenda, Kathe, Rachel, Mary Ann and Mac, nieces and nephews have always been a blessing and bright spot in my life. I am sure Brenda's smile is lighting up heaven right now. I love you too Sis.
- Alan Stokes, Jacksonville, Fl
Brenda was one of the first neighbors we met when we bought the house across the street in 2004. Her smile and friendly greeting made us feel welcome right away. I remember always seeing her out playing in the yard with Stephen when he was small, trips to the pool, baseball in the yard. When we adopted our children, I think Brenda was almost as excited about it as we were. She truly loved kids, and was really good with them. I hope I am the same kind of loving, fun mom she was. I know she had some struggles over the years that I have known her, but she has always remained a beautiful and generous person. It has been an honor to have her as a neighbor and friend. Brenda will be truly missed.
- Tracy Storey, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was loved and will be missed.
- Tonja Tuten Linton, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. Brenda was such a sweet person. Her smile was infectious. She will be missed.
- Mallie and Sally Seckinger, Savannah, Ga
I've known Boo , Mary Ann , Rachel and Mac for a long time and are family to me. Boo and Rachel were Like my sisters! I'm very lucky to have this family in my life . I was sad and numb when I got the news of Boo. My condolences to the extended family.
- Joey Costa, Savannah, Ga
Brenda was a very sweet girl,her and my daughter Alicia Campbell were very close when they were young.R.I.P. Brenda
- david denmark, sav., ga.
so sorry and sad about the loss of Brenda my heart aches for her whole family, RIP Brenda and fly high Angel
- Thomas and Meg Herrmann, Savannah, Ga
Sending our deepest condolences to Brenda's family. So sad my God shine over your hearts and help with the loss of a wonderful woman. <3
- Annie and Frankie Vaz, Savannah , Ga
Gonna miss you. Miss skating and everything else.
- Shelly gunn Compton , Savannah, Ga
I was so saddened to hear of Brenda's passing. Everyone loved Brenda and when i arrived at SCPS middle school, she was one of the first people to approach me and welcome me with a big smile. I can still hear her big laugh. I am so sorry for your loss, it is a loss to everyone that knew her.
- Stacey Stevenson , Savannah , GA
Brenda and I date back to 1976/77, Mrs. Gaillard's Pre-first class at Hancock, and we were in school together through graduation at SCPS. I'm pretty sure I spent the night away from home for the first time at her house and I'm positive my first full-fledged slumber party with multiple girls was at her house. So many sweet memories of a beautiful, kind, quietly cool young lady. She will be dearly missed. Praying for comfort and the peace that surpasses all understanding for the Gustin, Seckinger, and Smith families.
- Shondi Klees Karoudjian, Savannah, GA
I will miss you dearly Boo. I know now you are at piece with no struggles. Take care of Mac for your mom and watch over us. I love you so much my sister and I will see you One day again.
- Cindy lee Huggins, Hoschton, Ga
Sorry for your lose
- Eric g White Sr , Savannah , Ga
Stephen, I am praying for you and your family! I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Mrs. Burnsed SCPS LS Counselor
- Cindy Burnsed, Savannah, GA
I've known Brenda my entire life. We could go go years without seeing one another but never failed to call one another on our shared birthday. She always brought joy into my life and she will be deeply missed. I pray for peace and understanding to her family.
- Amy Eileen Hudspeth , Richmond Hill, Ga
I am so very sorry, Brenda and I used to have some amazing talks and lots of laughs...The world will miss her
- Keith Morris, Savannah, Ga
I will always remember her from our days at Savannah Christian. Fly high Brenda and you will be missed, from your Raider family!! Heidi
- Heidi Allen, Savannah, Ga
My heart aches for Marianne Stephen,Rachel, Kathy, Beth and the rest of the family. We have been a part of Boo's Family just as they have been a part of our family for close to 30 years. We shared many wonderful memories as well as a many tough times. However through it all losing Brenda has been the toughest she was loving,compassionate and always willing to help someone in time of need with that beautiful smile. I love you Boo and all the family and know she will be truly missed. Fly High Our Beautiful Angel.
- Paige Schuman, Savannah, Ga
Brenda was one of the sweetest people I ever met while enjoying our teenage years roller skating. She was always smiling and willing to help everyone. Such a sad loss! RIP! LOVE, BOBBI
- Bobbi Wilson, Savannah , Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

