Brenda Marie Sweat Ortiz was born July 21, 1960, to the late Mary Jones Sweat and Horace Scott, in White Plains, New York. She was called home on March 9, 2022, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

After completing high school at Fox Lane in Bedford, New York, Brenda continued her quest for learning.  She first achieved an Associate of Science Degree, and later attained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at Everest University.  Her major in the criminal justice field led Brenda to holding an eleven-year position with the Dunbar Security Company, as an Armored Guard.

Those left with many fond memories of Brenda are, her husband, Rafael Ortiz Jr.; her four children, Warren Andre Glover, Delvon Lee Glover, Reina Nicole Ortiz, and Brendan Joel Ortiz Sr.; one stepdaughter, Kiamesha Jene Ragin-Glover; four siblings, Mary Lois Sweat-Thomas, Robert Sweat, Samuel Stuckey Sr., and Annie B. Stuckey; thirteen grandchildren, Isia T. Glover, Brooklyn Phillips, Sydney Ragin, J.C. Martybano, Chase Glover, WoriMarie Glover, Brendan “JJ” Ortiz Jr., Leila E. Ortiz, Hayslei L. Ortiz, Emory Jackson, Gianni Jackson, Emma Landuyt, and Anna Landuyt; one great-grandchild, Londyn Divine Phillips; six in-laws, Cynthia Stuckey, Deborah Alston, Angela Branch, Jessica Ortiz, Veliza Ortiz-Artist, and Jefferey A. Landuyt Jr.; a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives, and dear friends.