Ms, Brenda Kay Watson, age 77, of Rhodhiss, passed away on March 3, 2026 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born May 3, 1948, in Caldwell County, Brenda was the daughter of the late Raymond Watson and Carolyn Parker (Ralph). In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Luther Watson, and a sister, Linda Coffey.

Survivors include her significant other, Charlie Shatley; son, Allen Watson (Connie); daughter Melissa Sain (Terry); four grandchildren, Bethany Hodges (Darell), Justin Watson, Chelsea Pipes and Jordan Sain; great granddaughter, Emma Watson; sister, Pat Gibbons (Bob); brother, Doug Watson (Kathy); half-brother, Ricky Watson; half-sister, Kim Watson; brother-in-law, Hayden Coffey; sister-in-law, Roxie Watson and Gail Caldwell; and her loyal Australian Labradoodle, Rocky, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brenda was such a joy to everyone she met. If you knew her, you knew that she did some things really well. She loved well, she prayed well, and she raised her family in a way that any Southern woman would with a steady hand, a big heart and a backbone that could hold up an entire household.

As the owner and operator of Carolina Cafe, Brenda enjoyed cooking for others, meeting new people and making new friends. After she retired in 2004, she loved going on adventures and spending quality time with 'the girls".  Brenda was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, but recently attended Laytown Baptist Church, where she made many lifelong friends.

A funeral service for Brenda will take place Friday, March 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Greer McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jerry Shew officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir.

The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 11:00 – 12:00 PM.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Frye, Darell Hodges, Jordan Sain, Scott Wagoner, Jamey Watson and Calvin Wheatley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Amorem or to the Wig Bank of Caldwell County.

Online condolences can be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Watson family.