Brenda Kay Small

Brenda Kay Small, 63, was called home to join her Lord and Savior and heavenly family on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at her home while surrounded by those that she loved.  Brenda fought a long and very courageous battle with cancer.  She was born in Burke County, NC on January 7, 1952 to the late John Cleveland “J.C.” Burnette, Jr. and Elsie Josephine Carswell Burnette.  She was a faithful, lifelong member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where she served as Assistant Director of the Nursery for twenty-five years.  Brenda was also a Sunday school teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher throughout the years.

Mrs. Small was a very dedicated employee of Winn-Dixie and Food Lion for over thirty years.  She very much enjoyed going on cruises with her husband and spending time with their grandchildren.

Brenda was an amazing wife, compassionate mom, and encouraging friend who would do anything in her power to help those that she cared about.  She was a dedicated Christian who always put God first and passed that knowledge down to her children and grandchildren.  Brenda always had a contagious smile and something positive to say to everyone that she met.  She always put others before herself.

Those left to cherish her precious memory include: her loving husband of thirty-seven years, Ivey Winston Small of the home; daughters, Brandi Kay Small and Robin Denise Burns; grandchildren, Lily Makayla Burns and Lennon Hunter Miller; a brother, John David Burnette and his wife, Lynda; a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and two very dear friends, Susan Whisenant and Judy Holland.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Ronald Wayne Burnette.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Dr. Dewey Thomas officiating.  Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2015 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.  At other times the family will be at the residence of the husband, Mr. Small.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.