Brenda R. Austin
Brenda Reece Austin, 84, entered heaven on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2025, at McLean Funeral Directors, 515 N. Central Ave., Belmont, NC. The family will receive friends following the service.
Brenda was born on August 6, 1941, in Cramerton, NC, daughter of the late George Albert Reece and Johnie Reece Shoemaker. She was a joyful, loving person who cherished her faith, her family, her friends, and every new adventure. She loved to travel, read, play bridge, learn, laugh, and rise early to soak in the sunrise at the beach. She never met a stranger and brought warmth wherever she went.
After graduating from Western Carolina University, Brenda began her career as a schoolteacher in Lake City, SC. She later spent many wonderful years in Hickory, NC, working in interior design, real estate and raising two daughters. Her walk with Christ began in 1972, and she delighted in teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Church and sharing her faith with others.
In 1994, Brenda moved to Cashiers, NC, where she continued teaching the Word and completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She became an active member of P.E.O. International, joyfully serving in leadership roles as she later moved to Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC.
Her years in Greenville were filled with meaningful friendships and service at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church. She was deeply involved in A Walk to Emmaus, became a South Carolina State Chaplain, and poured her heart into helping others know God’s love. After moving to Charlotte, she continued her P.E.O. service as Membership Chair for Chapter AU.
For 23 years, Brenda worked alongside her daughter at Community Marketing Services Inc, sharing her skills and talents until retiring at age 80.
Brenda’s love of travel took her to Israel, Europe, Russia, and on many cruises— always eager to learn and explore.
She is survived by her daughters, Markey and Sandy Austin; her grandson, Hunter Beaudoin; her brothers, George Reece and wife Judy; Deva Reece and wife Nancy; and her godson, Sherrill Hayes. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her husband of 62 years, Durham Sherrill Austin.
Brenda will be remembered for her bright spirit, deep faith, and love for others
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to P.E.O. Chapter AU for education scholarships, c/o Jane Brennan, 1531 Reflection Pointe Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is caring for the family. Reverend Rudy Hayes will officiate, with music provided by dear friend and recording artist, Linda Harness.