Brenda S. Whitworth
March 16, 1943 ~ March 9, 2008
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Brenda Smith Whitworth, 64, of 84 Debra Lane, Asheville, died Sunday, March 9, 2008, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center.
Brenda was an Asheville native and was a daughter of the late Ross W. and Ruby Enloe Smith. She was a 1961 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and also graduated from Blanton's Business College. She worked at John Carroll Specialty Store for nine years, and, after taking time out to raise her children, she worked more recently at Belk's Department Store at the Asheville Mall for 24 years. Brenda was a member of Abernethy United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and the Joy Band Circle.
She is survived by her husband and caregiver, James F.S. Whitworth; one son, Stacy Whitworth and his wife, Ingrid; one daughter, Cheryl Whitworth, and close cousins, Betty Woods, Helen and Francis Raymer and Ross Wingo; and sisters-by-choice, Martha Lowe, Teenie Green, and Bet Long.
Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday at Abernethy United Methodist Church with the Revs. Joe Hoffman and Heidi Campbell-Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery.
Her family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806, to Cancer Centers of North Carolina, 20 Medical Park Dr., Asheville, NC 28803, or to the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Cancer Center of North Carolina and Dr. Barton Paschal, 21st Century Oncology & Radiology, the Cancer Clinic of Duke, and CarePartners/Solace.
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Dear Mr. Whitworth, Stacy, and Cheryl-
I have fond memories of living on Debra Lane and spending time over at your house. Mrs. Whitworth was always so kind and what a sense of humor she had! When I ran into her at CVS alittle over a year and a half ago I told her about mom who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was so kind and told me to tell mom to give her a call if she had any questions, she went on to explain it is just nice to have someone else to talk to that has gone through the treatments, surgeries, etc and knows what it’s like. I was sad to hear the news about Mrs. Whitworth just a couple weeks ago. I knew she wasn’t taking visitors but I did want you all to know that I thought of her and all of you as you were going through this difficult time with her. I had just recently shared with mom and dad (as dad is going through recovery from Esophageal Cancer treatments at Duke) that Mrs. Whitworth wasn’t doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as your family has lost a loved one from this awful disease known as Cancer.
Sending You All Our Thoughts and Prayers,
Chad, Michelle, Walker and Reagan Gillespie
It was with great sadness that I received the news of Brenda’s passing. We were school mates at Lee Edwards and shared many ‘mini-reunion’ meals in recent years. Brenda was much loved and will be fondly remembered. My condolences to her family.
Jerry Warren
Brenda was a dear friend of my husband, Larry Brendle. She was there for his funeral and for our celebration. She was so very thoughtful. I knew her for such a short time, but I was blessed in knowing her.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to her family.
Brenda and I have been friends since Lee Edwards High School. I will always have great memories of our single days, the introduction by she and her husband, James to my husband of 42 years. Both our families shared visits and trips together. She was like a second sister to me and I will miss her terribly. Remember all the fun times family and know you are in our prayers….she was great.
Mike & Teenie Green
I was so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing – She was a very dear person. My prayers are with her family.
Gob Bless a dear old friend. May the peace of the Lord be with her and her family.
I was saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. We were classmates at Lee Edwards, and I had enjoyed seeing her recently at our mini reunion breakfasts. My symphathy and prayers are with her family.
Brenda and I were classmates and graduated together from Lee Edwards in 1961. I remember her as being kind, friendly and easy to talk to. It was good to see her at our reunions and to ‘bump’ into her at times when my family and I made trips to Asheville over the years. Brenda and I were born on the same day and year, and I will be thinking of all of you on the 16th. I am so very sorry, family. Please know that I am praying for you, and will continue to do so as you go thru your journey of grief.
My heart is broken to loose such an amazing friend. We had a long history together from the second grade until now. Many sleepovers, shoping trips,and sneaking cigarettes from her Mother. We are so glad that she and James came to visit us two years ago and we had a wonderful time. I will miss my best friend and our prayers are with all of you. She was so special.
james and kids, am 3,000 miles away and want you all to know am shedding tears of sadness and of joy…brenda and i were friends since the 8 th grade… shared many laughs, serious talks and was a joy to come home knowing she would be ready to attack bisquits and gravy at the moose….she is pain free in heaven and that is joyful… will always remember her love she spread to us all
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Mike and Regina Stanberry
Cheryl, Stacy and James,
We’re so sad to read of Brenda’s passing. We have so many fond dance-related memories of your whole family. Know that we’re thinking of you and send our love.
Ann and John Lawrance
It has been almost 21 years since we first met, even then it felt like we had been friends for years! Brenda made us feel more like family than neighbors. She was always there whether I needed a cup of sugar, a shoulder to lean on or just a good laugh. What a blessing it was to have her in our lives. All our love to James and family
As a former classmate, I remember Brenda as the most special person and a very kind one. We enjoyed some good times together. Our prayers go to the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. In God’s love,
Steve, Blanche & Elizabeth Waugh
I was sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing. We were classmates at Vance, Hall Fletcher and Lee Edwards. I haven’t seen or heard from her since the early ’60’s, but I remember her as fine classmate.
I send my sympathy to her family.
Throughout grammer, junior high and high school, Brenda’s home was the favorite gathering place for friends in West Asheville. We had wonderful parties and made many unforgettable memories. She has been my lifelong dear friend. Those of us who were fortunate to have gone through life with her are truly blessed. James, I know your love and devoted care made every moment of her life, in sickness and in health, as good as it possibly could have been. You are a jewel. God bless you and your son. I keep you in my heart as always.
hootramsy@aol.com
It is sad to learn about the loss of yet another member of our youth, and I wish Brenda god speed, and send condolences to her family and close friends.
James,Stacy and Cheryl- I am so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. I have many funny memories of mine and Cheryl’s years at Asheville Dance Theatre and through all the competitions and sleepovers, Brenda was right there. My thoughts are with you all. Love,Carter
Brenda was a special person. It was always happy times to see her at our ‘mini-reunions’
James and family you have some beautiful memories, you were her life.
God will give you the strength go through this sad time.
Our prayers are with you.
Jerry & Kathy Henderson
Brenda was a special person. It was always happy times to see her at our ‘mini-reunions’
James and family you have some beautiful memories, you were her life.
God will give you the strength go through this sad time.
Our prayers are with you.
Jerry & Kathy Henderson
I grew up with Brenda’s son Stacy and will remember Brenda as a warm and caring person that was always happy to have us kids over anytime. She will be in our hearts.
Brenda has always been very friendly to me and she is a very warm and loving person. She has been a good representative of her faith. Her loving and friendly spirit will be remembered by those she has touched. I will pray for the family in this difficult time.
Brenda was very friendly, warm and loving. She was a good representative of her faith. Her loving and friendly spirit will be remembered by anyone she touched. I will pray for the family in this difficult time. I am looking forward to meeting all of her special family tomorrow, at the funeral.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of loss.
Dear James and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Brenda. I remember our high school years and how I would always tease her and she was still my friend! Although it has been many years since we have seen each other, I still remember her fondly. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your untimely loss. You will all be in my prayers.
Sincerely, Ron Autrey
I HATE TO HEAR ABOUT BRENDA I KNOW HER FROM BELKS IM GONNA MISS HER SMILING FACE I WILL BE PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY MAY GOD BE WITH YOU….THE GANN FAMILY
Dear James and family, We were ‘backdoor neighbors’, Brenda would say about our Brucemont address more than 30 years ago. May your saddness soon be replaced with happy memories.
Irene lunsford
Karen Lunsford
Shane Lunsford
Cheryl, I grew up with you from dance, and come to love and enjoy your mother greatly, as if she was one of my own. It has been several years since we have talked but I still remember all the great times of sleepovers at your house and your mother always right there involved with it all. My condolances are with you and the family in this time of loss. Love you and my prayers are with you.
We are very sorry for your loss. Brenda was a wonderful person, a good woman and faithful servant of God. I feel blessed to have known her. You all remain in my prayers that God will comfort you.
Cheryl,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Ashley&HeatherMorrow&
Albert Sprinkle
Dear Rock,
I’m so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. Just know that your buddies at the fire department are thinking of you during your time of loss.
Dear Stacy and Ingrid,
I am sorry for your loss and will be remembering you in my prayers in your time of sorrow. May God uphold you with His comfort and peace. Much love,
Dear Cherly,
We were sorry to hear about your
Mom. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sara & Wesley Wells
James, I was so sorry to hear of Brendas passing. I spoke with her this summer and we were going to try and meet for lunch. I’m sorry we didn’t. Brenda was such a large part of my life growing up on Covington. My heartfelt condolences to you and your children. Brenda will be missed by so many people.
Brenda was my mother’s best friend since they were young. I have heard countless stories over the years of the wonderful time they had together. I feel so sorry for your loss. Brenda was a wonderful person who spread love and joy to all those around her. She will be missed. I would like to express my sorrow and love to James and the rest of Brenda’s family.
Brenda was not only a co-worker but also a true friend.Brenda and her family are very nice people.I will cherish her memorable smile and all the good times.May God continue to bless this family.
I have only known Brenda a few short years- through our Breast Cancer Support Group. I am thankful that I had the privilege to get to know her and spend time with her. After Group on Tuesdays a few of us would go out to eat and talk and laugh. I loved Brenda’s sense of humor. I enjoyed listening to her stories about her vacation trips and about her family. It was obvious how much she loved James and her children (including Ingrid). The family is in my prayers during this incredibly difficult time as you grieve the loss of Brenda.
I met Brenda in 1966 and she was always one of the sweetest on the earth. She never met a stranger. She and I shared so many good times together. Brenda was the “sister” I never had. I will always miss her and would love to talk with her again. As well as eing the sister I never had, she was my best friend. To know her was to love her. Martha Lowe