Brenda M. Arakas

Brenda M. Arakas, 84, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at Embrace Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 11, 1941, in Marion, North Carolina, Brenda was the beloved daughter of Clarence and Louise Miller and the cherished sister of the late Johnny Miller. From an early age, Brenda's beauty, kindness, and spark for life shone brightly. She was crowned Miss McDowell County and went on to become second runner-up in the Miss North Carolina Pageant-accomplishments that reflected her grace, confidence, and charm.
Brenda attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied dental hygiene. During her apprenticeship in Asheville, she met the love of her life, James (Jimmy) Arakas, while he was working in a local restaurant. It truly was love at first sight. They eloped just weeks later and went on to share 65 wonderful years together as devoted partners, best friends, and soulmates.
In the early years of their marriage, Brenda dedicated herself to raising their four children, nurturing loving home filled with laughter, good food, and the values of kindness, faith, and perseverance. As her children grew older, she followed another passion-hospitality-by operating The Breakfast Pantry restaurant, where her warmth and welcoming spirit touched countless people.
Brenda was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church and participated in the Ladies Philoptochos Society during her active years. She was a woman of deep faith, strong values, and endless love for her family.
Those who knew Brenda will remember her quick wit, her sharp mind, and her daily ritual of finishing the crossword puzzle at the breakfast table-something she rarely left incomplete. She was a prolific reader, a wonderful storyteller, and someone who always knew how to make others laugh.
The Arakas family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Jennifer and Ann Myers for their undying devotion to caring for their mother and for the thoughtful attention they gave to the wellbeing of their father. Their kindness, patience, and steadfast support brought great comfort and peace to the entire family during this time. The family also wishes to express sincere appreciation to Leigh and the entire staff of Embrace Hospice House for their genuine warmth, care, and compassion during this difficult period.
Brenda is survived by her devoted husband, James M. Arakas; her loving children, Michael J. Arakas (Wendy), Joseph C. Arakas, Stacy A. Legge (Gary),and Christopher J. Arakas (Laura); her adored grandchildren, Jamie M. Arakas (Abby), Andy Smith, Rachel Arakas, Ashley Arakas, Chandler Arakas (Katelyn), Alexandra Legge, Eleni Arakas, and JC Arakas; and her precious great-grandchildren, Stella Kate and Case. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and laughter that will forever live on in their hearts.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home and Crematory. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Brenda's memory to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.
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