Brenda Elizabeth Haise Johnston

Brenda Elizabeth Haise Johnston, lovingly known as “Mimi” and “Bim-Bim”, left us on August 14, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home in Biloxi. Brenda was born and raised in Biloxi, the daughter of Lucille (Blacksher) Haise and Fred Wallace Haise, Sr., who preceded her in death. 

She devoted 30 years of service to the City of Biloxi, a role she treasured. Beyond her official duties, Brenda poured her energy into community life–serving as a past member of Bonne Vivantes, acting as city liaison to the Gulf Coast Carnival Association, and helping lead beloved traditions such as Christmas on the Water, Christmas in the City, the Biloxi Seafood Museum, and countless city fundraisers, fish fries, and celebrations. She was remembered by the City as both a leader and a servant, and her impact will live on in Biloxi. 

In 1959, Brenda married her high school sweetheart, Billy Johnston. Brenda and Billy met while attending Biloxi High School, where she was head cheerleader, he was a football player, and she was crowned Homecoming Queen. A member of the Debuteen Club, she carried herself with poise and grace–qualities that never faded. 

To her family, Brenda was the heart of every gathering. She loved cooking for her family, elaborately decorating for every holiday, and staying active through Jazzercise and exercise. Her boundless energy–whether in Jazzercise classes, long hours decorating for holidays, or organizing community events–earned her the nickname “Energizer Bunny.” She was the “Queen of the Halloween Carnival,” and went above and beyond to make these events incredibly memorable and fun, staging large festivals at her home with tents, games, and activities for her grandchildren, family and friends. During Hurricane Katrina, Brenda was dubbed “Red Cross” for stocking snacks and supplies in the attic, where she doled them out piece by piece to “make them last”. She also famously led her family in praying the rosary during the storm using Mardi Gras beads, which were mistaken for rosary beads in the darkness, a set she carried in her purse from that day forward. She was spunky, stylish, and strong. She was present for us in so many milestones and celebrations, big and small. 

Brenda is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, William Michael “Billy” Johnston Sr.; her three children, Hope Landis, William "Billy" (Laurie) Johnston Jr. of Biloxi, and Paul (Laura) Johnston of Houston, Texas; her nine beloved grandchildren, Taylor Johnston, Katelyn (Luke) Derouen, Brenna, Jeremy, and Nadine Landis, Haise, Clare, Patrick, and Catherine Johnston; and great-grandchildren Eden Landis, Gunner, Grant, and Lyla Derouen. She also leaves behind her sister, Eydie (Michael) Burnett of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and her brother, Fred "Pecky" Haise of Houston, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Brenda Johnston. 

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to SAAD’s Hospice for their loving care during this time. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Biloxi Visitor’s Center on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A private interment will follow at the Old Biloxi Cemetery. 

Our beautiful Brenda was an incredibly gracious woman whose love, generosity, and joy touched everyone she knew. Her example will live on in her family and community. Though our lives will never be the same, we give thanks for her remarkable presence in ours, and she will forever remain in our hearts. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Brenda Elizabeth Haise Johnston.