Brenda Ballance Edwards | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Brenda Ballance Edwards, age 75, a resident of Washington, NC passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, after a courageous battle with ALS. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 16 at 1 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church, 901 N. Bonner St, Washington, NC. Burial to follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 15 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 John Small Avenue, Washington, NC.

    Brenda was born October 26, 1948, and grew up in Engelhard, NC where she graduated from Mattamuskeet High School. She continued her education in Raleigh at Hardbarger Business College. Brenda spent much of her career working as an Assistant Clerk of Court in Beaufort County. She was a faithful and active member of First Free Will Baptist Church where she especially loved working with the children in Sunday School.

    She was a cherished mother, dedicated grandmother, devoted spouse and a beloved friend to many. Brenda touched the lives of those around her with her kindness, warmth and unwavering love. True to her selfless nature she welcomed the opportunity to take care of anyone in need including family members, friends and neighbors.

    Known to her grandchildren as Nana, Brenda spent as much time as possible with them. Her love for them was boundless and she found immense joy in their company. She never missed a chance to be present in their lives.

    Her home was always filled with laughter, delicious food and welcoming hands. She enjoyed hunting for antiques with friends and loved crocheting keepsakes like her famous potholders. Her legacy of love, kindness and generosity will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

    Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald B. and Geraldine Ballance and brother Hal Ballance.

    She is survived by her husband of 30 years Donald Edwards; daughter Tiffany Griffis and husband Daniel of Greenville, NC; son Christopher Carpenter and wife Candace of Lincolnton, NC; stepdaughter Lorie Bailey and partner Daniel "Bat" of Washington, NC; and stepson Michael Edwards of Washington, NC; grandchildren Kaylon Gunter of Goldston, NC, Bickett Griffis, Foster Griffis and Payne Griffis all of Greenville, NC, Wells Carpenter of Lincolnton, NC; sister Debra Rowe and husband John of Raleigh, NC; brother Kent Ballance of Bel Air, MD; and many nieces and nephews.

    A special thank you for the tremendous support that was provided by many friends, family, nurses, caregivers, the ALS clinic and hospice.

    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory to the ALS Association of North Carolina, 4 N. Blount Street, Suite #200 Raleigh, NC 27601, www.alsnc.org or First Free Will Baptist Church, 901 N. Bonner Street, Washington, NC 27889.

    Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Edwards family.