Brenda Hayth

Brenda Harrell Hayth, 81, of Salem and Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away on January 8, 2026. She is survived by her husband, John Hayth; her daughter, Wendy Hayth-Perdue; her son-in-law, James "Jimmy" Perdue; and her two grandchildren, Natalie and Christopher Perdue.

Born on April 25, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Brenda was the daughter of Melvin and Camille Harrell. She grew up in Portsmouth, where she developed lifelong values of faith and care for others. Brenda married John Hayth in 1966, and together they welcomed their only child, Wendy, in 1970.

Music and learning were important throughout Brenda's life. She pursued her education with dedication, graduating from Montreat-Anderson College and later completing her education at Old Dominion University. Brenda devoted her musical gifts to the church, serving as an organist at churches that included West Side Christian Church and Cradock Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Talbot Park Baptist Church in Norfolk, and Salem Baptist Church in Salem, Virginia. She also shared her love of music as a pianist, choir director, and piano teacher in her home. Alongside her musical service, Brenda dedicated her professional career to teaching elementary special education, helping children learn and thrive until her retirement. She was also an active member of the Roanoke Valley Music Club and enjoyed creative fellowship through her ceramics class in Salem.

Brenda will be remembered for her steady presence, devotion to Christ and the strength she showed in her relationships and daily life.

A funeral service for Brenda will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia, with Rev. Heath Rickmond officiating. The interment will be held privately with her family at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

Friends may visit with the family from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of the service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.