Brenda Carole Clark

Brenda Carole Clark, 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, on October 18, 2024.

Brenda was born on November 15, 1941, in Oxford, NC, to Fenton and Louise Clark. After graduating as valedictorian of her Oak Hill High School class, she attended Campbell University and Meredith College, graduating with a degree in Education.

Soon after graduating, she started her most prestigious job, Mom. Brenda was a constant source of love and stability for her daughters Angela, Susan, and Missy. Throughout their lives, her girls always knew that mom was on their side, whether helping late into the night to finish that forgotten school project that was due the next day, spending hours upon hours shopping to find the perfect prom dress, or turning the backyard into a garden paradise for a wedding reception.

In 2005, she was promoted from Mom to Grammy, the beloved giver of great hugs and endless snacks. She unabashedly spoiled her grandchildren, Katie, Molly, Hank and George, whenever she could, giving her Elvis-level star status in their eyes as a babysitter and playdate hostess. In her role as Grammy, she was always their biggest fan and greatest supporter.

In addition to being a beloved Mom and Grammy, Brenda demonstrated to her girls and grandchildren that a woman could do anything she put her mind to, an impressive accomplishment for a woman of her generation. While raising her girls, Brenda went back to school, graduating in the first MBA class to admit women at Campbell University. In the late 80s, she used her degree to start a professional career in North Carolina state government, where she worked her way into management in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. When she retired in 2015, she was recognized by the Governor with the Long Leaf Pine Award, a prestigious award given to North Carolinians who "made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments."

After retirement, Brenda did not slow down. She continued to jog every day and participate in half marathons and 5Ks well into her 70s, running her last race at age 82 with her family through New York’s Central Park at midnight on New Years Eve. She also volunteered in the community, chaired numerous projects for her church, and maintained a beautiful garden admired by friends and neighbors.

Brenda’s many accomplishments are only overshadowed by the generosity of her heart, and her kindness and grace will live on in the memories of her family and friends.

Brenda is survived by her children, Angela Marshall (Alex), Susan Anderson (Tony), and Melissa (Missy) Landers (Edward) and her grandchildren, Katie and Molly Anderson and Hank and George Landers. She was predeceased by her parents, Fenton and Louise Clark; her brothers, Sherwood and Gilbert Clark; and her aunt, who was raised with her like a sister, Betty Nunn.

A celebration of life will be held at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church (718 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603), at 2pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Parking is available in the Williams/Cross office building lot at 706 Hillsborough St, the Block[83] West Parking Deck at 701 Hillsborough St., and on-street on St. Mary’s St. She will be laid to rest in a private family service alongside many generations of her family in the Virgilina Cemetery in Virgilina, Virginia.

Her family gives thanks to Seniors Helping Seniors, Heartland Hospice, and the many family and friends who supported Brenda through her fight with cancer.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Clark family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.watkinscooperlyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.