Obituaries

Brenda Gayle Shumaker, 76, affectionately known as “Gay” to close friends and family, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at her home on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, and was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus.

Born on April 2, 1948, in Radford, Va., to Raymond and Gerry (Farmer) Gardner, Brenda spent much of her youth growing up in Northern Virginia. A graduate from McLean High School in 1966, she later attended Kings College and Bob Jones University, where she fostered a great love for interior design.

In 1971, Brenda married the love of her life, Douglas E. Shumaker, and together they built a life in Northumberland, Pa., where they welcomed two children, Brett and Heather. Over the years, Brenda had a thriving interior design business and later started the Designs for Living Ministry, which included a book and radio program.

Developing a strong calling and passion for hospitality, Brenda shared with others the many blessings God had given her and her husband. Through their open-door policy, the couple had been privileged to watch God use each of their homes to rejuvenate those who needed rest, peace, and joy.

In 2012, Brenda and Doug built a new home on Smith Mountain Lake. As they strolled the property and envisioned how they would use this lakeside home to glorify God, they knew its name should be Shepherd's Gate. Over the last 13 years, Shepherds Gate has been a home offering a safe refuge for people to come and find rest, and where many would meet our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, there beside its still waters.

Most recently, Brenda felt a calling to care for international students from Liberty University. With no local home to go to over the holidays, Brenda opened her arms and her home to these students. Her joy and love for Jesus radiated from her and touched anyone she met, and strangers were quickly treated like family as she shared her home and laughter with everyone.

Brenda was a light to all around her and her legacy of love, joy, and hospitality will continue for generations. She will be missed by family and friends left behind, but we know she is singing praises in Heaven for all to hear.

Brenda is survived by Doug, her loving husband of 53 years; a son, Brett (Kara) Shumaker, of Northumberland, Pa.; and a daughter, Heather Shumaker-Osegueda of Greenville, S.C. She was known as “Nana” to her seven grandchildren: Tia, Brody, Beau, Garrett, and Grace Ann Shumaker of Northumberland, Pa.; and Kai and Lily Osegueda of Greenville, S.C. She is also survived by a sister, Rebecca (Ken) Heise of Danville, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Harper, of Dallas, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Bobbie Wolgemuth.

A Celebration of Brenda Gay’s life will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 4 p.m. at East Lake Church 1201 Timberwood Lane Moneta, Va., and on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church 12 Brookside Drive (off 642 E) Danville, Pa. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to His Grace Ministries, a ministry created by Brett and Kara Shumaker serving women and children in Uganda. Contributions may be made online at hisgraceministries.org or through Becoming Foundation, Inc. PO Box 205 Riverside, Pa 17868 and placing HGM in the memo.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA. www.visneski.com