Brenda Viola (Brown) Owens

Mrs. Brenda Viola Brown Owens, age 76, of North Wilkesboro, is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as she passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 8, 1949, in Wilkes County, North Carolina, to Jessie Leonard and Gladys Alene Rhodes Brown.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Second Baptist Church with Pastor Danny Dillard, Rev. Jason Whitley, Sr., Rev. Larry Adams, Rev. Kevin Souther, and her grandson, Noah Hall, officiating.  Burial will follow in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends Monday, September 1, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the church. 

Brenda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved and served God faithfully throughout her life. For thirty-six years, she was a dedicated member of Second Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro, NC.  Affectionately known as “Nana” to so many, Brenda’s life was a testimony of grace, kindness, and unwavering faith—even in her battle with dementia. She loved reading her Bible and found great comfort, strength, and peace in God’s word. She loved going to church, spending time with her family, taking beach trips, celebrating holidays, riding in her Mustang convertible, thrift shopping, doing word search puzzles, and living each day to its fullest.

She worked for many years as a waitress and found great joy in meeting and serving others, especially during her time at Teresa’s Carousel Café and the Millers Creek Sandwich Shop. Brenda had a way of turning customers into lifelong friends.

While our hearts grieve, we rest in the blessed hope that she is now whole again — free from dementia and every trial she ever faced. She is at peace, rejoicing in the presence of her Savior, and walking the streets of gold.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her siblings, Tony “Bud” Raymond Brown, James Clifford Brown, Franklin Kenneth Brown, Johnny Mack Brown, Cecil Willard Brown, William “Billy” Lee Brown, and Linda Janette Brown; son-in-law, David Alan Church; and daughter-in-law, Sarah Ann Brown. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Gene Owens, of the home; her six children, Rick Brown and Nick Brown, both of Millers Creek, Missy Church of Wilkesboro, Daryn Bryant of Travelers Rest, SC, Pam Hall (Eddie) and Marty Owens (Kristie), all of Hays; and one stepson, Ronnie Owens (Michelle) of North Wilkesboro.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Josh Brown (Mollie), Kayla Church (Jacob), Aaron Church (Emma), Jordan Church, Brittany Bryant, Tyler Bryant, Zach Hall (Rebecca), Tyler Hall (Megan), Noah Hall, Austin Owens (Sydney), Katie Owens, Matt Reavis (Sarah), Jessica Prevo (Randy), and Derek Owens (Rebecca); her great-grandchildren, Skylar Brown, Ashlynn Brown, Taylor Brown, Valarie Burton, Colton Church, Adalynn Church, Peyton Church, Weston Church, Brayton Hall, Brayleigh Hall, Colston Hall, Mason Moody, Ava Prevo, Alexa Owens, Liam Owens, and Draken Owens; and one great-granddaughter on the way;

She is also survived by her siblings, Shelby Barnes, Shirley Oakley (Lanny), Mae Shook (Danny), Faye Rodriquez (Freddy), Dale Brown, and Dean Brown (Sandy); her sisters-in-law, Pat Brown and Debra Brown; special friends, Darlene Brooks and Justin Brooks; along with many nieces and nephews.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson NC 27017.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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