WAKE FOREST – Brenda Joyner Brown passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at her home in Wake Forest, NC surrounded by her family.

Brenda was born November 16, 1960 to Robert and Judith Joyner of Murfreesboro, NC. She attended Ridgecroft School in Ahoskie, NC and then at Atlantic Christian College, graduating as a Registered Nurse. Brenda took great care of all the patients she served while working in Oncology in Lexington and Greenville hospitals. She dedicated 17 years of her life at Pitt Memorial Hospital.

In 1990, Brenda relocated from Greenville to Wake Forest, NC. She then became a teacher’s assistant for the first grade at Wakefield Elementary School. In March of 2010, she was diagnosed with Liver cancer. She was told she had 3-6 months to live, but survived for 14 months. In the last months on earth, she was able to attend her 50th birthday party, participate in her daughters wedding and see her graduate from ECU.  Just a few days before she passed away, she saw her son confirmed at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church.

Brenda lived each day by her faith in God and was never concerned about herself, but always thinking about everyone else. She was the life of the party at neighborhood functions, school events and everywhere she was present. She loved the beach and ECU football games and had many friends that will always remember her love of life and tremendous strength.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.

Brenda is survived at home by her husband, Norman; and one son, Drew; her daughter Brittney and her husband, Jim Massey Jr., resides in Knightdale; her parents, Robert and Judith Joyner of Murfreesboro; and brother, Eric Joyner and his wife, Katherine, of Greenville, NC as well as two brother-in-laws, a sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in memory of Brenda Brown to the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center Family Assistance Fund, Attn: Fredia Butts, 600 Moye Blvd, Rm 178, Greenville, NC 27834.

Friends may visit with the family from 6:30-8:30 Friday evening, May 13, 2011 at Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)

www.brightfunerals.com