Brenda Marie Powell Reed, 79, of Morganton, NC, passed away peacefully at her home while surrounded by her family Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Born in Burke County, NC on December 24, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Sterling Avery Powell and Ellen Irene Jarrett Powell.
Brenda was a member of Table Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Brenda took pride in driving a school bus for Mtn. View Elementary for 23 years, and she loved the children on her bus. She was kind, generous, and a hard worker, and she always found a way to provide for her family.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Gary Reed, Sr.; daughters, Denise Roper and Ethel Doreen Tomasi (Vince); son, Sam Roper; step-children, Gary Reed, Jr. and Spring Judd (Jerry); grandchildren, Brandon Jones (Jennifer), Travis Tomasi, Chasity Roper, and Samantha Roper (Kevin); five great-grandchildren; sister, Camille Hall; and dear friends, Faye Acuff and Howard Bumgarner.
In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by two sons, Dallas “Pete” Lincoln Roper and Jerry Lynn Roper; sisters, Frieda Powell Buchanan and Frances Ellen Powell Schultz; and special grandparents known to Brenda as Mama Flossie and Paw Sam.
Services for Brenda will be private.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Momma I'm glad for the things we did together .the time we had to spend with each other. The values and morals you taught me. Your in the arms of the angels now and in the presence of the amazing grace. I hugged you strongly i kissed you softly and now I will miss you often. Thank you and love you dearly. We will be together again.
You have my deepest sympathy Denise . I will be there. I am praying for you and your family.
My condolences to all her family..She was the sweetest person every time you seen her and her husband Gary..I am really thankful that I got the chance to know them..My prayers are with each of you all ..God bless you all... 💕
Finally, you've been called home to our Lord, and all of the wonders that he has promised. You will be missed here, but you are now free from earthly chains. I will love you forever ❤️