Obituary of Brenda M. Hood

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BRENDA MUREIL HOOD OBITUARY

Brenda Muriel Hood, 77, of West Orange, NJ passed away on October 5, 2025 due to complications from a stroke. 

Brenda was born on April 14, 1948 to Eddie Walton and Sarah (Schuyler) Walton in Bloomfield, NJ.  She attended 15^th Avenue Grammar School and West Side High School in Newark, NJ.  She married George Hood on May 1, 1965.  She devoted many years of her life as a concierge at The Hilton at Short Hills, where she worked until her retirement.

In her youth, Brenda distinguished herself as a lover of dancing, playing jacks, and as an accomplished essay writer.  As an adult she favored family and friends with her culinary skills.  Many who knew her failed as amateur sleuths attempting to pry away her closely guarded recipes.  She loved music, playing Pokeno, dressing up for special occasions and watching soap operas.

Brenda was predeceased by her parents, the love of her life, George Hood, a son, Chauncey Hood, brothers Gregory and Orlando Walton, a sister Donna Marie Walton, and a grandson, Isaiah James Hood.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Darryl and Fontaine Hood, sisters Judi McDaniel and Renee’ Smith, brother Sharif Farrakhan, granddaughters Tia Santiago and Tiffany Hood, grandsons Devon and Levon Hood, 3 great-grandchildren, goddaughter Kisha St. Vil, longtime special friend Patricia “June” Leahy, and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. 

Services will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Preston Funeral Home, South Orange NJ, with viewing from 9 to 10AM and a home going service from 10 to 11AM.  Entombment to follow at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union NJ.  For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.prestonfuneralhome.net.