Brenda J. Mingo

Brenda Mingo, beloved Spouse, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Sister-in-law, Aunt, Grandmother, and Mother-in-law, was called to her eternal resting place on November 19, 2025. She entered this world on April 1, 1943 in Detroit, MI, born to George and Mildred Hutson. 

She is survived by her spouse Edward Mingo; daughter Dr. Enyetta Mingo-Long; brother Marcus Hutson and his wife Kathleen Hutson; brother Bradford Hutson and his wife Dr. Herlanders Hutson; grandson Qays Mingo-Long; grandson Qailen Mingo-Long; son-in-law Frank Long; and her nieces, L'Year Showers and Lauren Hutson, and her nephews, Marcques, Alex, and Stuart Hutson. She is also survived by her cherished cousins, devoted godchildren, a host of loving friends, and former students whose lives were profoundly enriched by her presence. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, 10:00 am. at Davis Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Notable interests, activities, hobbies, or passions:

Brenda Mingo, beloved educator, visionary school founder, and lifelong advocate for children's learning, passed away peacefully after a life devoted to service, community, civil rights, and education. She leaves behind a profound legacy defined by compassion, brilliance, and a steadfast dedication to academic excellence for children. Born with an extraordinary gift for teaching and a heart rooted in service, Brenda devoted more than 50 years to the field of education. Her life's mission was to ensure that every child-especially African American students-felt seen, valued, supported, and academically empowered. She believed deeply in the innate brilliance of Black children and worked tirelessly to break literacy barriers, challenge harmful stereotypes, and cultivate warm, rigorous learning environments where all students could thrive.

Through her leadership, Brenda not only taught children how to read, write, and think critically-she instilled in them a lasting sense of African American pride, confidence, and cultural identity. She integrated African and African American history, traditions, and values into her classrooms, helping students understand their heritage and take pride in their place within a rich cultural lineage. She encouraged them to see themselves reflected in the curriculum, to celebrate who they were, and to understand the powerful legacy from which they came. Over the course of her career, Brenda touched the lives of thousands of children, nurturing generations of students who carried her teachings forward long after leaving her classroom. Her influence extended far beyond academic success; she helped shape strong, confident, culturally grounded young people who believed in their own potential and understood the limitless possibilities before them. Brenda's commitment endured until her retirement, leaving a mark on countless families and communities that will resonate for decades to come.

Memorable moments and achievements:

In 1976, Brenda and her husband, Edward, founded Ebony Learning Tree, a private prep school in Los Angeles, California that would become a model of academic rigor, cultural pride, and nurturing community. From 1976 to 2006, for three remarkable decades, Ebony Learning Tree stood as a shining beacon of educational success. Under Brenda's devoted leadership, the school became a trusted foundation for thousands of families seeking high academic standards, cultural affirmation, and strong literacy development, until her retirement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Brenda lived a life rich with joy, creativity, service, faith, and a love of travel. A woman of warmth and depth, she cultivated a lifelong love of reading that fed her curiosity and strengthened her commitment to learning. She found delight in the rhythm, fun, and fellowship of line dancing, where she built friendships and shared laughter. Her book club gatherings brought her tremendous joy-spaces filled with stories, lively conversations, and meaningful connections that fed both her intellect and her spirit. Her faith was central to her life. Brenda drew spiritual grounding and renewal from Bible study, church services, and the fellowship she deeply cherished at Nehemiah Ministries, where she was a joyful and active participant. She lived her faith not only through worship, but through her dedication to helping and uplifting others.

Brenda also expressed her remarkable creativity in countless ways. She had a gift for decorating and gardening, transforming every room and garden she touched into spaces filled with beauty, peace, and welcome. Her talent for crafting floral arrangements and centerpieces became one of her signature joys-through each bouquet and display, she shared color, elegance, and comfort with all who knew her. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Brenda lived a life rich with joy, creativity, service, faith, and a deep passion for exploring the world. She was an avid traveler who journeyed across the globe, visiting numerous countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and throughout the Caribbean and Pacific Islands. These travels broadened her perspective, enriched her understanding of global cultures, and deepened the wisdom and compassion she brought back to her community and her students. Each trip deepened her appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world. She often shared the stories, traditions, and lessons she gained from her travels with her students, family, and friends, inspiring curiosity, cultural understanding, and pride in everyone she touched.

Her life of service extended far beyond the classroom. Brenda was a proud and active member of several organizations that reflected her values and commitment to community empowerment. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she embraced fellowship, service, and sisterhood. Her involvement with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) demonstrated her steadfast belief in educational access and opportunity for African American students. Through her membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), she remained connected to the highest standards in early childhood education-an area she championed throughout her career. Brenda was also involved with the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), aligning her work with a national movement dedicated to the well-being and academic success of Black children. Additionally, her membership in the NAACP-the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People- reflected her steadfast dedication to civil rights, equity, and justice-values that informed her teaching, shaped her advocacy, and guided her daily life. Through all of these organizations, Brenda extended her impact beyond her school, strengthening her community and leaving a legacy of leadership and service that will endure for generations.

An educational scholarship foundation will be established in honor of Brenda’s memory - details forthcoming.