Brenda (Best) Watkins

Brenda Best Watkins, 60, left this earthly life for her eternal rest on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

She was born March 6, 1961 in Kenansville NC to her parents Bobby and Linda Best. Brenda was preceded in death by her mother and her sister, Kelly Stewart.

Brenda graduated from Meyers Park High School in Charlotte NC, and studied Literature/English, World History, and Sociology, graduating from East Carolina University in 1985. She taught sixth grade English and History at Grover C. Fields Middle School in New Bern and began pursuit of a career in insurance in 2004. She retired in 2019 from Farm Bureau and moved to Wallace.

Brenda is survived by her former husband and father of their child, James Henderson, Jr. She is also survived by her husband Mike Watkins who she married in 2005; her son, James Henderson III; her sisters, Susie Smith and Bobbie Lynn Torgeson (Matt); step-children, Paige Hales (Tyler) and Hayden Watkins; step-grandchildren, Brooklyn Rose Hales and Parker Lee Hales; nieces, Samantha Cook, Rachel Smith, Alexis Lacock, Abigail Lacock, Sara Torgeson, Lauralynn Torgeson, and Madilyn Grady; nephews, Cameron Grady, Dane Stewart and Jacob Stewart; numerous extended family and friends that loved her dearly.  

Brenda enjoyed painting, spending time outdoors in nature, and fellowship with her family.  Her favorite places included Topsail Beach and the mountains in Fall.  Brenda was a ray of positivity – even through her battle with ALS.  Her faith was larger than her fear. Brenda will surely be missed but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

Memorial service will be held at 2:30p.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Ray Kennedy officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 1:00p.m. to 2:30p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts be sent in memory of Brenda, to ALS Association of NC, 4 N. Blount Street - Suite 200 - Raleigh, NC 27601 or to give online, type in your search box: als association of nc.  

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace, NC    910-285-4005

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