Brenda W. Elks

February 23, 1947 - December 27, 2022
Brenda W. Elks

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Brenda W. Elks, age 75, a resident of Wilmar, NC, passed away with her loving family by her bedside, at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern, NC on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Celestial Memorial Gardens in Vanceboro, NC officiated by Pastor D.J. Maxey. The family will receive friends at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 6:00-8:00pm.

Brenda was a meticulous and enthusiastic homemaker, ever busy with her hands; whether sewing, cooking, baking, even making designer wedding cakes - she was a gifted artist, easily able to draw what she saw before her. She loved gospel, folk and country music and spending time with her family.

As a devoted, loving mother and grandmother, she was the model of strength and perseverance. She made the best of life, always bringing along her great sense of humor. She loved without conditions. She taught her children and grandchildren to be strong, to be true, and to fear The Lord. She was a dedicated Christian her whole life, affiliated with the Church of Christ.
As a wife, she was loving and giving, she was patient and steadfast, and she was very generous, forgiving, and above all, full of grace. Life threw her a lot of obstacles, yet she faced them bravely, leaving a legacy of love and the model of a servant’s heart.

She is survived by 2 sons; Ray McLawhorn and his wife Kristi of Wilmar and Mark Elks and wife Melanie of Washington, 3 daughters; Vickie M. Powers and husband Jesse of Wilmar, Wendy E. Godley and husband Carlton of Washington and daughter; Donna L. Elks of Raleigh, 3 granddaughters; Alyssa McLawhorn, Haley Hutchins, and Desoray Elks, 6 grandsons; Jesse Powers IV, Galen Powers, Stephen McLawhorn, Alarie Elks and wife Jessica, Trey Elks and wife Emily, and C.J. Elks, and her 3 great-grandchildren; Ezra Elks, Zeke Elks, and Tristan Elks.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents Henry Day and Ora Mae Williams, her first and second husbands; Amos Ray McLawhorn and Freddie Lee Elks, 3 sisters; Anita Edwards, Freda Whichard, and Edna Anderson, and her brother Willis Williams.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Shriners and can be made by CLICKING HERE
Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the Elks family.


Tribute Video


Graveside

Saturday, December 31, 2022
11:00 AM

Celestial Memorial Gardens - Directions
7715 Main St.
Vanceboro, NC 28586
2522440027

Visiting Hours

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service - Directions
4500 US Hwy 264 E. Washington NC 27889
  • Friday, December 30, 2022
  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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Tribute Wall

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  • December 31, 2022
    Greg Purser lit a candle:
    Lit since January 1, 2023 at 1:08:38 AM

  • December 30, 2022
    carmen elenes lit a candle:
    Lit since December 30, 2022 at 12:15:49 PM

  • December 30, 2022
    Wilhemenia Jones lit a candle:
    Lit since December 30, 2022 at 12:29:02 PM

  • December 30, 2022
    Nancy McLawhorn says:
    Vickie, Ray and your families, know that I am thinking of you. As I watched the touching video tribute, I remembered the times Deb and I spent with you, Aunt Brenda and Uncle Amos at your house. They always welcomed us and fed us well too! I admired Aunt Brenda's strength and perseverance. Love to you all.

  • December 30, 2022
    Cameron Elks lit a candle:
    Lit since December 30, 2022 at 12:50:14 PM

  • December 29, 2022
    Velma Everson says:
    So sorry for your loss. I went to high school with her and we’re friends.

  • December 29, 2022
    Kay W Phillips says:
    Sorry to hear the passing of your mom. She was a very loving person. I grew up with her at Haw Branch Church. She will be missed. Love in Christ,Kay Wall Phillips

  • December 29, 2022
    Kay W Phillips says:
    Ray & family, sorry to hear the loss of your mom. She was a very loving person. I grew up with her at Haw Branch Church. She will be missed by many. Love in Christ, Kay Wall phillips

  • December 29, 2022
    Kay W Phillips says:
    Ray & family, I am so sorry to hear the the passing of your mother. I grew up with her at Haw Branch Church. She was a very loving person,who loved everyone. She will be truly missed. Keeping all of you in prayer. Love in Christ, Kay Wall Phillips

  • December 29, 2022
    Alvin and Barbara Dickens lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:44:55 PM

  • December 29, 2022
    Mati Pipkin lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:32:17 PM

  • December 29, 2022
    Mati Pipkin lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:31:44 PM

  • December 29, 2022
    Mati Pipkin lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:31:27 PM

  • December 29, 2022
    Debbie Beeson says:
    Vickie and Ray, please know that Nancy and I are thinking of you. We have such good childhood memories of spending time at your house. Deb

  • December 29, 2022
    Donna lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:25:46 PM

  • December 29, 2022
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    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:56:38 PM

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    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:54:56 PM

  • December 29, 2022
    Paul and Paula Carrow lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:04:41 PM

  • December 29, 2022
    Stacey K Woolard Woolard lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:33:24 AM

  • December 28, 2022
    Brenda Drew lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:00:21 AM

  • December 28, 2022
    Wendy says:
    Brenda, You were the most wonderful blessing to our family! You loved us as if we were your own. Thank you for being you. You were the toughest person I have ever known. You can rest now! Until we see each other again, I love you!

  • December 28, 2022
    Wendy Godley lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:50:56 AM

  • December 28, 2022
    Paula and Paul Carrow says:
    Brenda was a very sweet lady. I have very special memories of her. She was a joy to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with Vickie and Ray. This is a tough time for the family but Brenda is in Heaven rejoicing. ❤️ Paula and Paul

  • December 28, 2022
    Tina & Alan Jordan lit a candle:
    Lit since December 29, 2022 at 12:43:22 AM