Brenda Louise (Martin) McQueen

Brenda “Trae” McQueen  

Trae McQueen, 80, of E. New York St. Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away in the early morning of May 27,2025 while residing at Greenwood Meadows Rehabilitation and Senior Living Center. She had several pre-existing conditions including COPD.

Trae attended Sweetwater High School in Texas and was active in Cheer Leading, History, and Choir team.  She also played piano and loved to sing.  After high school, she immediately attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas and Cisco College in Cisco, Texas. She majored in Political Science with a minor in English. After college, Trae went to work for the Texas Federation of Republican Women from 1974 thru 1985.  The first job was to work with the Gerald Ford election group in Austin.  Three years later she was promoted to Director of Republican Women of Texas.  A large milestone for her was to work alongside George H. W. Bush to successfully help him run for President.  After the election, Bush wrote her a handwritten thank you letter, and she could often be seen alongside him on several occasions. The next big part of her life was meeting her future husband, Paul McQueen.
They met in downtown Austin singing at various music venues and it didn’t take long until they were singing together followed by a marriage proposal.  At that same time, they gave themselves and their music to the Lord and stopped going to the downtown venues. They instead attended Christ memorial Baptist church in Austin singing in the choir. In 1986 they move to Nashville, obtained a record label, and began to write and record Gospel Music.  That lasted about 2 years, and she and Paul moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where they started their vending business.  They still sang on weekends and visited countless churches in several states for over 20 years.   But a big part of them was being able to participate with the Indiana Gospel Association and meet so many friends and music people.  Finally, Paul and Trae joined up with Rick Clayton at the LIVING CROSS CHURCH in Indianapolis. They were very involved building the church.  It quickly became their home church. Gospel Music and Ministry was their passion!

Trae is survived by her Step-Son Paul Arvin, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Robert “Trip” Martin, daughter Gretchen Doty, nephew, Trae was preceded in death by her husband Paul McQueen.

Celebration of Life Services will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Living Cross Church, 3107 S. Rural St.  Indianapolis IN.  Pastor Rick Clayton will officiate the services. Final care and arrangements by Norman F. Chance Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 504 National Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. Online condolences and words of comfort maybe offered at www.chancefuneralhome.com

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