Brenda Van Sickle

Brenda Fay (Barrett) Van Sickle, 65, died Monday, December 4th, at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas following a long battle with chronic illness. Brenda is survived by her husband of 44 years, Terry Van Sickle; son, Terry Van Sickle Jr. and wife Amanda of Terrell; granddaughter Annabelle Van Sickle; and many close friends. She was predeceased by her father, Jimmie, and her mother, Gladys. Brenda was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of Jimmie Duane Barrett and Gladys Mae (Gwinn) Barrett. She graduated from Lake Highlands High School in Dallas and then studied photojournalism at the University of Texas at Arlington. While studying photojournalism, she found a passion for spot news. In late 1978, while covering a 2-alarm structure fire on Lovers Lane in Dallas, she met Terry, who was a freelance photojournalist. The two quickly fell in love, spending nights chasing news together while she took photos for her education and he took photos for work. Love quickly turned to marriage, with the two marrying in 1979 at Casa Linda United Methodist Church in Dallas. 4 years later, in late 1983, their only son, Terry Jr., was born. Brenda worked for Arthur Andersen as a graphics designer and continued in that role for several years before further pursuing her passion in news. She went on to work as a freelance photojournalist for local news stations before accepting a position as an Assignment Editor at CW 33. She was later promoted to Assignment Manager before moving on to the Arlington Police Department as a Media Specialist. Early in the couple’s marriage, both earned their Emergency Medical Technician licenses, volunteering their time to attend to the sick and injured at school events, rodeo events, and more. After moving to Terrell in 2010 where Terry became a member of the College Mound Fire Department, Brenda began volunteering as well, serving several years as the department’s Treasurer. Brenda pursued many other interests outside of her work. When she wasn’t working or spending time with her husband and son, she showed champion Dalmatians, winning several national titles with her dog Deuce. She was also an avid quilter, spending many hours creating intricate designs full of color. Sadly, chronic illness plagued Brenda for much of her life. She retired from Arlington PD in October 2023 with the hopes of spending more time quilting. Tragically, that was not to be – after several hospital stays, her condition worsened and, on the morning of December 4th, she took her final breath here on Earth. Services are in the care of Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations, Terrell. Visiting hours are Wednesday 5pm-7pm, and the funeral will be held Thursday at 2pm. Interment will follow at the College Mound Cemetery.

Tributes

Brenda Van Sickle

December 4, 2023