Brenda Lee Flesher
1960-2021
Brenda Lee Flesher, known as Lee, Aunt B, Miss B, Sista and many other endearing terms passed into life eternal on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Brenda is survived by her husband of 32 years, Baker, her daughter Cate and her son Jake.
She was born November 12, 1960 to Martha and Bill Tapp in Wilson, OK. Brenda attended Putnam City West and graduated in 1979. She attended the University of Central Oklahoma and was the first in her family to complete a bachelor’s degree in 1994. She was involved in many church events over the years and was active in Pioneer Country Walk to Emmaus in various roles, including Lay Director for Walk #104.
An artist throughout her life, Brenda began creating at a very early age. She enjoyed creating 3D pieces from very basic materials, once building very elaborate and detailed dollhouses from shoe boxes. In 1991, Brenda appeared in her first of many Canterbury Arts Festivals – sharing her first collection of pieces titled “Abstractions.” Brenda won many ribbons at these shows – including Blue Ribbon/First Place in Graphic category at her first show appearance. She continued showing her art in other venues, including Downtown Edmond Arts, Paseo Arts, and Nichols Hills Art festivals. She received constant recognition from her peers with awards and ribbons of excellence. She produced the yearly themed t-shirt for the Downtown Edmond Arts festival for three years and had her first solo show in 1993 at Dean Lively Gallery. Brenda had a subsequent public viewing of her art commissioned by the Kirkpatrick Foundation on a collection of pieces inspired by African Tribe Ceremonial headdresses. Brenda’s work had a robust following and currently has her works hanging in private collections in Alaska, Germany, Hawaii, and beyond. She was hired by Stan Clark to paint an 8’ x 36’ mural for his “Stillwater Bay” concept restaurant in Stillwater. Brenda painted several murals for private individuals over the years and always “hid” meaningful or fun things or “secret images” within images. One client liked angels, so in her mural (that extended to the ceiling), an unseen angel would glow faintly in the painted clouds when the room was dark! Brenda’s creative passion extended into her motherhood.
Brenda was an old soul and loved to can the vegetables raised in the home garden. She started with pickles, moved to jellies and jams, and in short order, entered the Oklahoma State Fair. Over the course of three years, Brenda took her creative talents to new levels, and in one year alone (2013), captured 13 ribbons! She achieved several 2nd place finishes but never obtained the coveted blue ribbon she was in our hearts.
Brenda had extensive and varied work life experiences in different industries. She spent several years working in the banking industry, employed in several roles, including executive assistant positions for management. These executive support roles helped her immensely in her next endeavor when she joined Kyle Maxwell’s team at First Christian Church as a communication assistant. Brenda served 20 years at First Christian and was on the staff during the church’s expansion. She was part of the staff and building campaign team that ultimately led to the construction of the current sanctuary, where her life will be celebrated this Wednesday in a private family gathering.
Brenda next worked for a small family-owned commercial playground company called Noah’s Park and Playground, where she coordinated their website. She helped Noah’s receive recognition from Google Economic Impact Report in 2014 by expanding into the e-commerce industry. Most recently, Brenda worked as a customer service agent for Covenant Books, working from home. Brenda rescued a German-shepherd puppy about a year into her employment with Covenant, and “Gor’di” was her baby. Brenda loved to spend time with her dog, kayaking, going to vintage rock concerts, and being with her family when not working.
Her service may be viewed online Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM at www.fccedmond.org/flesher
Virtual Service will be held live Wednesday March 17 @ 11AM. Please follow the link below to attend.
http://www.fccedmond.org/flesher
-Thank you,
Cate Flesher
Such a beautiful service. I’m so very sorry for the loss off Brenda – she was such a light and such a gifted artist. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Sending so much love and prayers to her family! Baker, Cate, and Jake – you are in my prayers. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to lighten your burden. Love you all!
Baker, Cate and Jake you are in my prayers. May God’s love surround you and give you peace and comfort. Her service was a beautiful tribute to her. I was so very blessed to work with Brenda at FCC and will always cherish the art she created for me as an ordination gift in 2006.
Brenda drove too fast, created her finest artwork in the wee hours of the morning, was a great cook, an ardent student of the Bible and most importantly loved Baker, Cate & Jake. A word of thanks to the Flesher family for composing a beautiful tribute to Brenda. Her admirable accomplishments are a true reflection of the extraordinary person I was fortunate enough to call friend. To the Flesher and Tapp families, you are in my prayers and I hope you find peace and comfort during this very tender time.