Brenda Kay (Wheeler) Dubois

Brenda Kay (Wheeler) Dubois passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Danville, Illinois on November 20, 2022, following a nearly year-long battle with multiple myeloma, which is a type of plasma cell cancer. 

Born November 29, 1947 in Clarksville, Arkansas, Brenda is the eldest child of Dennis and Marie Wheeler. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred Dubois; her aunt; spiritual mentor, Maude Looper; her dear cousin and friend, Mary Jo Graves; her grandparents and several aunts and uncles that had a profound influence on her life.  She is survived by her sons, John and Michael Dubois of Danville; her sister, Jan Williams; brother, Darrel Wheeler both of Lamar, Arkansas and her sister, Joy Wheeler of London, Arkansas.

Brenda’s family originally came to Arkansas in the 1830’s and her deep love of her family and her family’s state guided her early life.  She spoke often of her early days on the family farm and the adventures she would have with her family exploring the countryside and doing shows which included everything from music to Red Skelton sketches.  One of the things she was proudest of was her family’s history of military service dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Brenda attended the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, less than 10 miles from her home, so she could continue to live with her family.  She graduated with a degree in elementary education in May 1969.  While at the Ozarks she went on a blind date to help out a friend and met Fred Dubois.  They were wed on June 8, 1969 and were married until Fred’s death in 2001.  Fred’s job took him to the Chicagoland area, which brought Brenda to a world she had never experienced before.  She spoke often of how hard it was adjusting to this new life but how she also was able to make lifetime friends in Rosalie Burkhardt and Mericay Michaels.  This ability to reach out to people and be a friend would become a defining characteristic of her life.

Fred’s job took him to Danville in 1976 which began Brenda’s 31-year association with Danville School District 118.  By now the mother of two, she chose to be a substitute teacher all those years so she would have the flexibility to spend more time with her family and friends.  Brenda’s last several years of teaching focused on the special education students she cared so much about.  She continued to make lifelong friends while teaching and formed a special spiritual bond with fellow teacher, Julie Cravens.

Brenda’s ability to form and keep long-term friendships and her strong faith often worked together like that.  Another such time was at a Tupperware party over 40 years ago where she met her friend, Carol Davis.  Carol introduced Brenda to the Rock Church in 1983 and the ministry of Paul Stern forever changed the course of her life.  She became much bolder about her faith and walked it out every day believing that one of life's greatest callings was to be a messenger of God's love to all people. She had a huge collection of Christian literature and music she used to encourage herself and others whenever she could.

Upon retirement in 2007, she returned to Arkansas where she lived most of the last 15 years.  One of the greatest joys of her life was being able to spend time with the next generation of family and having the opportunity to show them some of the things and places that had shaped her life.  As she did everywhere she went, Brenda continued to form lasting friendships that often crossed the generations.  Two of her closest friends in Arkansas, Dalonda Smith and Lille Dixon, were separated in age by nearly 50 years. 

Brenda was an avid reader, she was a prolific writer of letters and cards, she loved Arkansas Razorback athletics and her dogs.  She hated to waste anything, was a recycler before it became trendy and loved classic TV sitcoms.  Through cancer took most of her energy over her last months, she lived out her life in faith-based, quiet dignity to her very last moments. 

To honor her 75th birthday, a Celebration of Life for Brenda will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Her son, John, will be officiating the service. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 1-2:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Please join Brenda’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.