<Li> Deputy Chief (later Chief) Thomas "Tommy" Delk (Courtney B. Vance): Initially an LAPD Deputy Chief in charge of handling matters relating to terrorism, he is Brenda's main rival for the position of Chief of Police . Upon selection for the position, Delk offers Brenda Pope's job as Assistant Chief of Operations, which she declines--supporting Pope to fight to stay in the position . Delk's unexpected death puts departmental changes on hold . </Li> <Li> Detective Ross (Conan McCarty): A Robbery Homicide detective whose loyalties are with Commander Taylor . </Li> <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> <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>

Who played brenda's mom on the closer