SHELBY: Shelby, North Carolina lost a one- of- a- kind woman, Brenda Garner on August 9, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on March 6, 1963. Known for her infectious spirit and stubbornness that made her unforgettable. She was the kind of person who could turn a simple day into an unforgettable adventure.
Brenda was a woman of many passions, most notably her love for soaking up the sun, whether that meant tanning or tending to her beloved flowers. She was never one to pass up a chance to go tubing down the river or spend a day at the creek with her sister. And if you needed something — anything — odds are Brenda had a spare in her collection.
Fiercely independent and strong-willed. She lived life entirely on her own terms — and if you ever thought she was wrong, you were mistaken. She loved deeply, and never shied away from speaking her mind.
Preceded in death by her mother, Mary Griffin Garner, her sister, Ginger Garner, and her brother, John Lee Garner, Brenda leaves behind a family as lively as she was. Her daughters, April Callahan (husband Rodney) and Ashley Osborne (wife Linsey), carry on her legacy of love and laughter. She is also survived by her sister Marla Garner (partner Todd Bowen), brothers Joe Garner (wife Dawn), Doug Garner (wife Lisa), and Buster Griffin (wife Ann).
Brenda's vibrant presence will be missed by her grandchildren Breanna Matheson (husband Sean), Nick Burton (wife Mackenzie), Michael Callahan, McKayla Callahan, Elijah Horne, Jayden Horne, Dante Horne, and her great-grandson Declan Matheson. Special niece Bella Garner will fondly remember her adventurous aunt BB.
Friends and family are invited to a Gathering of Friends on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.
In Brenda's honor, let’s all collect a few extra smiles, soak up the sunshine, and keep our doors open to friends, old and new.
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