Brenda Shean Stallings

   Brenda Carol Shean Stallings, 73, of Drum Avenue, Newton, NC, died Saturday, August 10, 2019, in Piedmont Henry Hospital, Stockbridge, GA.

   Brenda was born in Elizabeth City on April 3, 1946, was the daughter of the late Thomas William Shean and Clarine Whedbee Stallings, and the step-daughter of the late Roy Stallings. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Sunbury where she was surrounded by cotton fields. While growing up and attending school, she met her future husband, Robert Earl “Bobby” Stallings. They married young and moved to Tampa, Florida when Bobby joined the Air Force. While stationed in Florida, their first son was born, James Robert “Jimmy” Stallings, who died shortly after birth. Their next move was to Arizona where their second son, Jason, was born. In the late 1960’s, Bobby left the Air Force and they moved to Atlanta, where Bobby began his career working with Delta Airlines. There Daniel, their third son, was born. Brenda was home with her boys while they were young, and later worked in various craft and floral design shops. Bobby passed away suddenly when the boys were young and this was a difficult providence. Brenda, a single mother to her boys, saw them mature, marry, and have children of their own. She was very proud of her sons and their families.

   In the early 2000’s, Brenda moved back to North Carolina to care for her aging mother. Eventually, she moved back to Georgia, taking her mother with her, where they both could enjoy being closer to their family. She was a faithful caregiver to her mother in her last years, and until her death in 2017.

   Enjoyments included her membership in the Moose Lodge where she received the “Friendship Award”. A talented card maker, through the years she blessed many with her cards and crafts.

   Most happy when surrounded by family and friends, she was a welcoming and warm person and her hospitality was a blessing to many as she invited people into her home making them feel like family. Brenda had faith in the Lord Jesus, and through the hardships she endured in this life, she sought to trust Him and be at peace with His will. When she was diagnosed with cancer a month before her passing, she knew this was a trial she was given by a Good God in Heaven, and said the Lord was teaching her wisdom through it.

   In addition to her parents and step-father, her husband, and her infant son, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Billy Shean.

   A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, surviving are two sons, Jason Stallings (Kelly) of Carrabelle, FL, and Daniel Stallings (Heather) of Williamsburg, VA; four grandchildren, Rachel Edenfield (Kameron), Sydney Peek (Kyle), Tyler Stallings, and Sierra Stallings, and four great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Jude, Marilee, and Benedict Edenfield. Also surviving are two half-sisters, Annette and Jeannette; and a half-brother, Randy.

   A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Chapel, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, and will be conducted by the Rev. Kameron Edenfield. A private burial will follow in the Riddick Family Cemetery in the Sandy Cross community of Gates County. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation in the funeral home immediately following the service on Saturday.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.