Brenda J. STEPHENSON

SURRY - Brenda Jeanne Barnes Rollings Stephenson lost her courageous struggle with COPD at age 70 on June 23, 2010, at Riverview On The Appomattox Nursing Home in Hopewell, Va. She had been a nursing home resident for several years.
Brenda was born in her parents home, in Spring Grove, Va., on May 3, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Ortive Ervin Barnes and Edith Grubbs Barnes. She was predeceased by her eldest son Graham Douglas Rollings, Jr. (51), who passed away Jan. 17, 2010.
Brenda is survived by her brother, David Ervin Barnes (Monique) of Spring Grove; a son, Paul D. Harte (Amy) of Surry; and daughters, Penny Rollings Hite (Larry) of Spring Grove, and Lisa Stephenson Dickens of Surry. Brenda is also survived by four grandchildren, Melissa S Hite-Rickmond (Scott), Thomas Ervin Hite, William Alexander Dickens, and Jesse Paul Dickens.
Brenda was a graduate of Surry High School. She was a former resident of Surry County, Waverly and Gloucester County, Va..
Brenda was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was her life. She held numerous jobs in Sussex and Surry to support her family. When her children were young, she was a school bus driver, a store clerk, and a waitress at the Virginia Diner in Wakefield and the Surrey House Restaurant in Surry.
Brenda enjoyed family gatherings at the James River in Claremont, and at Sunken Meadow and Guilford Heights. She had a passion for all animals, but especially cats and dogs, and she always found the means to provide a home for a stray. Brenda loved watching every NASCAR race, and was a devoted fan of both Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson. She also enjoyed listening and dancing to 1950s music.
Brenda was an honorary member of the Spring Grove Community Club and a former member of the Eastern Star in Waverly. She was a member of Carsley United Methodist Church. Her minister, Ray Rowland was a wonderful friend. She looked forward to his weekly visits, guitar music and devotionals at the nursing home.
Brenda appreciated more than she could ever show the ongoing support and generosity provided to her and her children by her parents and her brother and his family over her lifetime. She also was very grateful for the love and concern of caring cousins, friends, and community groups in the Sussex and Surry area. She enjoyed all of the notes, cards and visits she received in the hospital and nursing home. She appreciated the devotion of her special friend Brad Hart. She was also grateful for the compassionate care provided by the nursing home, Hospice of Virginia, and the staff of special care sitters who were with her in her final days.
The family will receive friends on Friday night, June 25, 2010 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 26, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the Waverly Cemetery by the Rev. Ray Rowland.
Colonial Funeral Home, (1515 S. Church St., Smithfield, VA 23430) is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Carsley United Methodist Church, 224 Otterdam Road, Waverly, VA 23890. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.