Brenda Faye Gozia

Brenda Faye (Kyte) Gozia, 79, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on November 16, 2025, at home with her family, following a short illness. Born on April 16, 1946, in Carthage, MO, Brenda was the daughter of Lawrence and Mildred Kyte. She grew up in Joplin, Missouri, graduating from Joplin High School.

Brenda and her family relocated to Texas in 1970. Between 1972 and 1977, she welcomed four children, dedicating herself as a volunteer to support all their activities—from serving as a Girl Scout Leader and PTA President to cheering from the sidelines of baseball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, swim team, and cheerleading events. Brenda was always the loudest supporter, first for her children and later for her grandchildren. Along the way, she also became a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, donning her Cowboys blue with unwavering hope and good-natured humor, always declaring, “This is our year!” Through every season—win or, more often, lose—her spirited allegiance sparked laughter and lively debates among family and friends.

In 1992, Brenda made Springfield, Missouri her home, where she embraced new opportunities and friendships. Committed to learning and growth, Brenda went back to school and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 1997 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1999, both from Southwest Missouri State University. Upon graduating, Brenda followed her passion and spent her career working with children and adolescents at Lakeland Behavioral Health System, an established psychiatric hospital and treatment center in Springfield, where her kindness and empathy touched many lives. She worked there full-time until her retirement, leaving a legacy of support and encouragement for colleagues and clients alike.

In her later years, Brenda found joy each morning sitting on her porch swing, sipping coffee while admiring her growing vegetables and dreaming up new flower arrangements to plant next. She cherished her visits to Pineville, Missouri, where time spent along the Elk River brought back fond memories of family trips throughout her life. For the past two decades, Brenda’s week wouldn’t have been complete without gathering for lunch or happy hour with her Friday 5 friends, sharing stories and making treasured memories together.

Brenda’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her love for her family and many of her very close friends. Her kindness, wisdom, and humility will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Mildred Kyte. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Kevin Weiss, of Dallas, TX; her daughter Erin Gozia, of Springfield, MO; her sons, Hayes Gozia and Bob Gozia, of Springfield, MO; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and her brother and sister-in-law, Brent and Phyllis Kyte.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri with Pastor Gary Griffin officiating. Visitation will follow the Funeral Service at the Funeral Home. The family invites attendees to wear comfortable, casual attire.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com