News Summary
Lillian Brenda Mosier Douglass, a beloved matriarch and community leader, has passed away at the age of 85. Known for her dedication to family and community, she touched countless lives with her kindness. Brenda’s legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she positively impacted throughout her years in South Carolina and Virginia.
Florence, SC — Lillian Brenda Mosier Douglass, a devoted family matriarch and community leader, passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Her enduring legacy is remembered by family, friends, and the many communities she touched throughout her life.
Born on September 5, 1939, in Sumter, SC, Brenda was the daughter of the late Eugene Tarleton Mosier, Sr. and Beulah Way Mosier Avinger. She was known for her unwavering dedication to her loved ones, often prioritizing their needs above her own. Family members described her as a nurturing mother, loving sister, and cherished grandmother.
Brenda’s life was marked by her commitment to family and community. She completed her education at Edmunds High School and devoted decades to nurturing her family in both Sumter and Florence, SC. Her hospitality was well known, as she had a special gift for making guests feel welcome and comfortable in her home.
Professionally, Brenda had a diverse career that included positions in bookkeeping, retail, and the textile industry. She served as the manager of Belk department store in Sumter, a role that showcased her leadership and dedication to her work. Later in life, Brenda married Reverend Carl H. Douglass, Jr., which led her to Virginia, where they served together in various churches and communities, including Madison Heights, Bedford, and Huddleston. Brenda had a close relationship with Patmos United Methodist Church in Huddleston, which became an important part of her life.
The couple found joy in their time at Smith Mountain Lake, where family and friends gathered to create lasting memories. Brenda returned to South Carolina in her later years, re-establishing close connections with her family.
Known affectionately as Mama, Grandma, Mema, and Meme, Brenda enjoyed gardening, raising animals (especially birds), cooking, and fishing. She was an avid reader and even embraced the art of fly fishing, showcasing her love for nature and outdoor activities.
Brenda is survived by her four children, Michael L. Atkinson and Jacque, Cynthia A. Hales, Sonya A. Secor and Dean, and Lynn A. Semones and Steve. She leaves behind a legacy of 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her oldest granddaughter, Beth Atkinson-Muldrow, and daughter Roni K. Alwin were also an integral part of her life. Additionally, Brenda is survived by her sister Gail Gressette-Jeffcoat, brother Rev. Eugene T. Mosier, Jr., and sisters-in-law Janet L. Mosier and Marianne P. Mosier.
Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Carl Henry Douglass, Jr., and her first husband, Marion Leslie “Buddy” Atkinson. She was also mourned by family members who passed away before her, including her sister Jean Maye Lane and brothers Richard and Herbert Mosier.
The family expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Troy Gamble and the caregivers for their compassionate support during Brenda’s illness. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for September 5, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church in Sumter, SC, at 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions can be made to Patmos United Methodist Church in Huddleston, VA.
Brenda Mosier Douglass will be remembered fondly for her role as a matriarch who touched many lives with her kindness, hospitality, and love of family.
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Beloved Community Leader Lillian Brenda Mosier Douglass Passes Away
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Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
