Brenda Kay Dezern Brown

Brenda Kay Dezern Brown, 81, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on April 17, 2026. Known by many as “the strawberry lady”, Brenda was a kind, compassionate, Godly woman whose loss will be felt deeply. Born on August 21, 1944, Brenda was raised and lived all of her days in Shoals, North Carolina. Although she was an only child, she considered her double-first cousin, Janie Bullington Inman, to be her sister. Brenda graduated from Shoals High School and married her husband of 62 years, Edward “Eddie” Thomas Brown, on June 29, 1963. Together, they are parents to a daughter, Lorrie, and a son, Kevin. Eddie and Brenda taught their children valuable life lessons throughout their daily livelihood on the family farm, where they raised tobacco, soybeans, wheat, and cattle. Through their farm life, Eric Arvizu joined the family, and Brenda considered him a son as well. Brenda was extremely proud that both of her children were graduates of Wake Forest University, and her and Eddie quickly became devoted fans. They could often be found in their season ticket seats for any Wake Forest basketball game during the week. Perhaps Brenda’s most beloved title was “Grandma”. She was known as “Grandma Brenda” to many in the Shoals community, but especially her four grandchildren – Jacob, Joshua, Emma, and Luke. Her pride for her grandchildren was evident in every conversation, and she showered them with love. Alongside her family, Brenda helped run Country Road Strawberries, where she worked tirelessly in the months of April through June to sell strawberries to the community. She was never happier than selling strawberries under the tent in the parking lot of Mayberry Mall. Brenda Brown was a true gem who will be missed by so many. Brenda is survived by her husband, Eddie Brown, daughter Lorrie Sawyers and son-in-law Greg, daughter-in-law Patricia Brown, and grandchildren Jacob Sawyers, Joshua Sawyers and his wife Giselle, Emma Brown, and Luke Brown. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Joseph “Joe” and Maxie Dezern, and her son Kevin Brown, and what a joyous reunion it was. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 24 from 6:00-8:00pm, and a funeral service will be on Saturday, April 25 at 3:00pm, both at Shoals Methodist Church. Flowers are appreciated, or memorials can be made to Shoals Methodist Church at P.O. Box 161, Pinnacle NC, 27043.

Moody Funeral Service in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.