<div><strong>Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of another dearly loved family member and is humbly asking for support with funeral and burial expenses. This heartbreaking loss comes after two other profound, unexpected losses in less than a year, including the passing of Brenda's son in March 2025 and her granddaughter on Valentine's Day earlier this year. </strong>
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<div><strong>During this difficult time, any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated and will help ease the burden on the family as we honor Brenda's memory.</strong>
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<div>We are deeply saddened to share Brenda Kay Blackburn Witherspoon, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on May 25, 2026, at the age of 80. While our hearts ache in her absence, we are grateful for the extraordinary life she lived and the countless memories she leaves behind.
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<div>Brenda was born on October 6, 1945, in Ashe County, North Carolina to Bryce and Velma Blackburn. Though life would take her many places, the values and roots from her parents and mountain home would remain woven into the fabric of who she was.
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<div>To know Brenda was to know joy.
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<div>She possessed the rare gift of making every room brighter simply by walking into it. Her laughter was contagious, and her love boundless. She had a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories and making everyone around her feel special.
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<div>She met the love of her life, Phil Witherspoon, in Jefferson, NC, at just 8 years old. What started as a childhood friendship grew into a lifelong romance, and together they shared 64 years of marriage.
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<div>Brenda spent many years living in Jacksonville, Florida, where she built a successful career at Paychex, Inc. After 20 years of dedicated service, she retired and enjoyed spending her retirement years between Florida and her beloved North Carolina mountains.
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<div>Above all else, Brenda was devoted to her family. As “Momma” to 5 children and “Memaw” to 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, she was truly the heartbeat of the family.
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<div>She made everyone feel like family, often becoming a Momma or Memaw to many beyond her own relatives. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, and some of the most treasured memories were made around her table, sharing her home-cooked meals.
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<div>Memaw was never one to sit still for long. She loved to “run the roads” and was always up for the next adventure. If something was happening, she was right in the middle of it. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for life inspired everyone around her.
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<div>And if you knew Momma, you knew she believed every adventure called for looking your best. Always armed with Mary Kay and Paul Mitchell products, she carried herself with grace and a sparkle that reflected her beautiful spirit.
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<div>She also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for gardening, canning food, and quilting.
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<div>Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Phil Witherspoon; her sisters, Patsy Miller and Dixie Gradowski; her 4 children, daughter Talara Parrish, son Terry Witherspoon (wife Valerie), daughter Tyler Glenn (husband Frank), daughter Tabby Patchell (husband Mark); her 12 grandchildren, Tiffany Knight, AJ Parrish, Larkin Witherspoon, Peyton Witherspoon, Tanner Witherspoon, Danielle Ward, Kristy Meeks, Kansas Hopkins, Rachel Corum, and Brett Patchell; her 17 great-grandchildren, Zachary Hargis, Dylan Knight, Sophia Knight, Bryce Parrish, Grady Parrish, Parker Parrish, Ryder Martin, Cody McGovern, Cyarra Ward, EJ Pratt, Malachy Pratt, Alice Hopkins, Elliot Corum, Arya Corum, Azura Patchell, Sidra Patchell, one on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
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<div>She is preceded in death by her parents, Bryce and Velma Blackburn; her son, Tony Witherspoon; her granddaughter, Samantha Hopkins; and her grandson, Brody Patchell.
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<div>Brenda’s legacy lives on in every lesson she taught, every tradition she created, every story she shared, every laugh she inspired, and every life she touched. Though we will miss her every day, we will carry her with us always.
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