Belizean softball legend Brenda Johnson dies

by Roy Davis (freelance writer)

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, July 24, 2024

In an interview that aired on YouTube, sports journalist Bilal Morris called her the humble softball giant of Belize. And she was, given all her achievements.

Well, Brenda Johnson, 80, affectionately known as “BJ,” is no more. She passed away on Sunday morning, July 21, at her home in Belize City. It is believed her transition was peaceful and she died of natural causes.

BJ was a devout member of the Anglican Church and although no funeral arrangements have yet been made, there is no doubt that the funeral service will take place in St John’s Cathedral.

BJ was an excellent softball player in her day and was the catcher for the Belize softball team that went to the 1974 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo and won gold.

She began playing softball in 1960 at the age of 16. During her 15 years of playing the sport, she was a catcher for the Dunrite team, a team she led to multiple victories, both domestically and internationally.

But softball wasn’t her only passion. She was a career educator and accountant who believed in passing on her knowledge to others.

“Besides softball, teaching was her passion, and she inspired many young women of her time to be the best they could be,” said her sister Amanda Johnson.

BJ taught at St. John’s Primary School and was an accountant at St. John’s Credit Union. She served in the US Peace Corps, traveling the world in that capacity.

BJ was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Gabourel. She is survived by her daughters, Estelle Gabourel and Alma Gabourel.

Besides her sister Amanda, she leaves behind 6 sisters and 5 brothers.

(AMANDALA Ed. Note: We join with the softball and sports community in extending our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of a great Belizean, a true Golden Girl of Belize softball and a legend in her own right. Rest in peace, Sister Brenda Johnson.)