Brenda Jean Jeka

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Brenda Jean Jeka, passed away at home with her family by her side on the 13th of February 2026 at the age of 71.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Amber (David Thao) Jeka and Michael (Emily) Jeka; grandchildren: Emmanual, Israel, and Juniper; brother, David Roberts; sister, Linda Stone; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Henry Michael Jeka; and her parents, Gordon Roberts and Barbara Roberts (Bloomberg).

Brenda was born in Duluth, and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth where she studied Social Work. She worshipped at Resurrection Fellowship in Woodland until its closing, after which she continued her faith by watching and listening to Pastor Arnold Murray with the Shepard's Chapel of Gravette, Arkansas. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident in 1974, she did not let disability define her, she went on to finish college, raise two children, find meaningful work in her field through the Duluth Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, and to live a life full of friends and family who meant the world to her. Her example of courage and resilience in the face of adversity inspired many around her to find strength in difficult times, but more than that, her many brilliant smiles and her contagious laughter showed us there is always joy to be found in life. Her warmth will be remembered by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am on Friday, April 3rd in Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave, Duluth, MN 55803. Interment at MN Veterans Cemetery.