Their Legacy,
Our Mission
Every great mission begins with a story. The Brenda & Wesley Charity for Hope and Education, Inc. was founded to honor the lives and values of Brenda Christie and Wesley Watson. Their legacies of faith, compassion, perseverance, and service continues to inspire our work as we expand educational opportunities, raise pancreatic cancer awareness, and support individuals and families impacted by the disease.
-Wesley P Watson Sr.
It's a great day
to be alive.
Meet Brenda & Wesley
The remarkable lives whose love, faith, and generosity continue to inspire everything we do.
Wesley P Watson Sr.
​1934-2016
"Awareness gives families something priceless: more time.
October 2015
Diagnosed
January 2016
Passed Away
A LIFE OF PURPOSE​
​
Wesley didn't need grand gestures to leave a mark. A 38-year Chrysler veteran, entrepreneur, and devoted family man, he lived with quiet resilience and an unshakeable optimism his grandchildren knew well — they called him "Pop-Pop," and he called every single day a great one.
When Everything Changed
​
October 2015 changed our family forever.
Wesley wasn't feeling well, so he went to the emergency room. At first, his symptoms were attributed to his diabetes. His blood sugar levels were elevated, and that seemed to explain what was happening.
But a week later, he still wasn't getting better.
Additional testing revealed the diagnosis no family ever wants to hear:
Pancreatic cancer.
One of the greatest challenges with pancreatic cancer is that its early symptoms often resemble other, more common conditions. Because the signs can be subtle, the disease is frequently discovered after it has already progressed.
For Wesley, the time between diagnosis and his passing was less than three months. He passed away in January 2016.
​Three months.
Less than three months from diagnosis to his passing.
That experience forever changed our family—and ultimately became the foundation of The Brenda & Wesley Charity for Hope and Education.
Today, we honor His Legacy by raising awareness, supporting pancreatic cancer initiatives and education, and reminding families that earlier detection can provide something priceless: more time.
Brenda T Christie
​1948-2024
"She believed education wasn't just the path to a career-it was the foundation for a brighter future. "
A Life of Encouragement
​
Brenda Christie believed education could change the course of a person's life.
​
Whether at home, at church, or throughout her 22-year career in accounting, she encouraged others to grow, learn, and pursue excellence. She understood that knowledge creates opportunity, and she celebrated every milestone along the way.
​
Her greatest pride wasn't her own accomplishments—it was watching those she loved discover their God-given potential.
Faith in Action
​
Brenda's faith shaped everything she did.
​
As a devoted member of Union Baptist Church, she served faithfully as a Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and volunteer, demonstrating Christ's love through kindness, generosity, and quiet service.
​
She believed success meant more than achievement—it meant using your gifts to serve others.
​
Woman of Faith
​​
​
​
​Education Champion
​​​​
​
​
​
​​​Servant Leader​​​​
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
​
Brenda believed education opened doors to opportunity, and she instilled that same belief in her three children. Through her encouragement and steadfast support, they went on to earn three bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees.
​
Three children.
Three bachelor's degrees.
Two master's degrees.
One extraordinary mother who believed education could change generations.
​
Today that belief lives on through The Brenda & Wesley Charity for Hope and Education.
​
Today, we honor Her Legacy by investing in students through scholarships, educational partnerships, and financial literacy initiatives—helping the next generation discover what's possible when someone believes in them.