Brenda Hendren Elliott, 86, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born on October 26, 1939, in Statesville, N.C., Brenda lived a life centered on family, faith, and dedication. Over the years, she made her home in Raleigh, N.C.; Cary, N.C.; and Frederick, Md., before spending the last 21 years in New Bern, N.C.
Brenda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love for her family was the foundation of her life. She was married to her beloved husband, Jerry Elliott, for 66 wonderful years — a remarkable testament to enduring love, patience, and partnership. Many would say she deserved to be knighted for sainthood for lovingly enduring 66 years with Jerry and skillfully guiding her children through all of life’s challenges with grace, strength, and unwavering support.
She earned her Associate’s Degree in Business from Mitchell College in Statesville. After that time, she thrived as a bookkeeper for Marlin Insurance Company, a role she took great pride in. She held a special fondness for the Marlin family and often spoke of them with warmth and appreciation, reflecting the meaningful relationships she formed throughout her life.
Later, while living in Frederick, Md., she proudly owned and operated her beauty shop, Hair It Is, where she built lasting friendships and served her community with dedication and care.
A woman of faith, Brenda was a member of First Baptist Church in Frederick and First Presbyterian Church in New Bern, where fellowship and worship were important parts of her life.
Above all, Brenda was a beautiful woman — both inside and out — bright-eyed, smart, and knowing. She never met a stranger, only friends. Her warmth, kindness, and radiant spirit drew people to her wherever she went. She had a joyful love of dancing and was a tremendous Shag dancer, bringing energy and happiness to every dance floor she stepped onto. In fact, she even taught the future president of the Myrtle Beach Shag Club how to Shag — a story she carried with pride and joy.
To all that knew her, Brenda’s home was always a safe and comforting respite for family and friends — a place of laughter, conversation, and unconditional love.
Brenda was also a woman of quiet strength. No matter the pain or discomfort she endured, she would never allow others to worry about her. When asked how she was doing, she would simply smile and say, “I’m fine,” quickly turning the conversation to show genuine concern and interest in the person who had asked. Her selflessness and grace in the face of hardship were hallmarks of her character.
Her greatest joy and deepest source of pride was her family. She treasured every moment spent with them, and her legacy of love will continue to shine through generations.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Elliott; her children, Page Elliott (Narda), Debbie Myers (Rodney), David Elliott, and Jonathan Elliott (Shannon); her cherished grandchildren, Paige Ashley Elliott (Patrick Walsh), Max Myers, Dylan Elliott, Evan Elliott, Austin Elliott, Olivia Elliott, and Rowen Elliott; and her beloved great-grandchild, Mickey Walsh; her sisters family: Donna Bannon-Farrell, Terry Jenkins, Steven Jenkins and Sandra Hudson; and Jerry’s sister Juanita Hagler and her husband Joe.
Brenda’s legacy of love, faith, joy, resilience, and selfless devotion will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Fairview Baptist Church, 349 Turnersburg Hwy., Statesville, NC 28625 from 1 to 2 p.m. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Chapel with Pastor Paul Hill officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her sister immediately following the service.
Additionally, there will be a Celebration of Life to be held in New Bern on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Emerald Golf Club Clubhouse, 5000 Clubhouse Drive, New Bern, NC 28562 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville, N.C.