<Ul> <Li> Willie Rae Johnson ( Frances Sternhagen ) : Brenda 's mother . Willie Rae was the buffer between Brenda and her father , and her enthusiasm for Brenda 's work at times embarrassed Brenda . Despite this , she and Brenda had a close , loving relationship . She dies near the end of Season 7 . </Li> <Li> Clay Johnson ( Barry Corbin ) : Brenda 's father . Clay is often hurt by Brenda 's neglect of the family , but loves her unconditionally , as she does him . </Li> <Li> Charleen `` Charlie '' Johnson ( Sosie Ruth Bacon ) : Brenda 's problematic 16 - year - old niece , brought to LA by Willie Rae , who hopes Brenda and Fritz will help straighten her out . </Li> <Li> Claire Howard ( Amy Sedaris ) : Fritz ' colorful sister , and now Brenda 's sister - in - law . A self - described intuitionist , and an adherent to a number of alternative practices , she `` assisted '' the MCD with one of their cases . </Li> </Ul>
<Ul> <Li> Willie Rae Johnson ( Frances Sternhagen ) : Brenda 's mother . Willie Rae was the buffer between Brenda and her father , and her enthusiasm for Brenda 's work at times embarrassed Brenda . Despite this , she and Brenda had a close , loving relationship . She dies near the end of Season 7 . </Li> <Li> Clay Johnson ( Barry Corbin ) : Brenda 's father . Clay is often hurt by Brenda 's neglect of the family , but loves her unconditionally , as she does him . </Li> <Li> Charleen `` Charlie '' Johnson ( Sosie Ruth Bacon ) : Brenda 's problematic 16 - year - old niece , brought to LA by Willie Rae , who hopes Brenda and Fritz will help straighten her out . </Li> <Li> Claire Howard ( Amy Sedaris ) : Fritz ' colorful sister , and now Brenda 's sister - in - law . A self - described intuitionist , and an adherent to a number of alternative practices , she `` assisted '' the MCD with one of their cases . </Li> </Ul>
who played brenda 's mom on the closer
who played brenda 's mom on the closer
Frances Sternhagen
Frances Sternhagen