Brenda Harrison Clemens

 

Brenda Harrison Clemens, 77, of Chesterfield, VA, passed away peacefully at home holding her husband’s hand on August 20th, 2025.

 

Brenda was born on December 22, 1947 to Betty and Paul (PJ) Harrison in Hampton,Va. Brenda graduated from Huguenot High in 1965, where she met Lee Clemens during her sophomore year. They were married in 1965, and went on to have two children, Travis and Tracy. After high school, from 1965-1967, she studied business at the Smithfield Massey Business College, and was the secretary for the Director of Personnel for the State of Virginia.

 

Lee and Brenda opened Departure Bike Works in 1972. She always supported Lee’s dreams and was always along for the ride, wherever that took her. Brenda was the livelihood of the shop, always up at the counter chatting with the customers, and many customers came in just for that service. Brenda ran the shop alone for 3 years while Lee took a “sabbatical.” She was running a motorcycle shop at 4 foot 11 inches as a woman in the early 80’s with two kids! Often, customers would come in, unfamiliar with who she was, and ask to speak with a man. Since she wasn’t one to embarrass others, she would go get a man, but then ultimately she would be the one to answer the customer’s questions. She always had all the answers, and knew more about motorcycles than any other woman (and most men) of her generation. Her and Lee, and later Travis, owned and operated the shop until they retired in 2018.

 

She was a force to be reckoned with: endearingly stubborn and didn’t put up with bull, but also gentle, personable, understanding, witty, resourceful, and strong. She never wanted to spotlight on her, and always allowed others to shine in her presence. She was an amazing baker, an artist and a creator, and she passed her creativity down to all of her children and grandchildren. She was Lee’s counterweight, her softness balancing out the roughness around his edges. She loved ice cream and reading more than anything in the world, and going for a spontaneous scoop or reading a book together are favorite memories of her children and grandchildren. She taught them how to be independent and pursue thier goals by rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.

 

Brenda was predeceased by her son, Travis Clemens, parents, and stepmother, Mary Harrison. She is survived by her husband, Lee Clemens; daughter, Tracy Kerzanet; grandchildren, Rheyanna (Anna) Clemens, Evan Kerzanet, and Lucy Kerzanet; her sister, Carol Harrison; and stepsiblings, Bob, Tom, Jean, and Judy Carlin.

 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation.