Brenda Sue Bentley

Brenda Sue Benfield Bentley was born on June 22, 1945, and peacefully stepped into heaven Monday night, March 30, 2026, with loved ones by her side. She was the daughter of the late Willard Robert Benfield and Sue McCrary Benfield.

Brenda’s faith was always an important part of her life. She loved Jesus and she shared that love with others through her smile, baked goods, laughter and hugs. She and her late husband enjoyed raising their family in Charlotte, NC from 1973-1987. They returned to Lenoir in 1987, where Brenda worked as a realtor. Brenda was passionate about serving her community. She worked as an assistant teacher in Charlotte, NC, an activities director in Hickory and Boone, NC and led the RSVP program of Caldwell County, NC until her retirement. Her zeal for service was only rivaled by her love for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She had many titles during her life (including Miss Lenoir), but her favorites by far were “Momma” and “Granny.”

Brenda was preceded in death by her loving late husband of over 50 years, Gerald Everette Bentley, Sr. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Gerald Everette Bentley, Jr. (Anne) of Hudson, NC, her daughter Suzy Bentley Plyler (Danny) of Rocky Mount, NC, her grandchildren Tyler Bentley of Lenoir, NC, Sadie Bentley Burchfield (Tim) of Kings Creek, NC, Mollie Bentley of Little River, SC, Hunter Penley of Conway, SC, Grant Penley of Conover, NC, Will Plyler (Kaitlyn) of Florence, SC, Drew Plyler (Abby) of Rocky Mount, NC, Bentley Plyler of Rocky Mount, NC, four precious great grand children, many nieces and nephews, and so many loved ones and friends.

She never lost her love for people and her ability to bring a smile to anyone she met. Everyone who had the chance to know her loved her and was loved by her. She will be greatly missed but her beautiful smile will not be forgotten and live on in her family whom she dearly loved.

Thank you to the many special Care Givers who loved on her the last 5 years in Rocky Mount, NC. The family would especially like to thank Hospice of Wilson who loved and served them so well the last 7 months. The family will honor her with a private graveside memorial service at Blueridge Memorial Gardens in Lenoir, NC.