Brenda Jean (Webb) Jefferson

Brenda Jean Webb Jefferson went to be with Jesus on October 26, 2026 shortly after her 79th birthday on October 22. She begins her eternal life in heaven after a brave battle with dementia - in which she displayed her kind, selfless and determined spirit throughout.

Brenda was born in Pinetops, North Carolina to Albert & Prudie Mae Webb. She was surrounded by loving family and has often shared funny and heartwarming stories of her childhood on the family farm. After attending Edgecombe County Schools, she graduated with honors from East Carolina University and returned to serve her community as a fourth-grade math and science teacher.

Brenda was a teacher at heart in both profession as well as in life. Her love of learning and her gift for teaching were both apparent in everything she did. There are countless students (both young and old) who experienced compassion and growth while learning from her. She made learning fun. She made life fun.

She also had a servant’s heart. Guided by her faith in Jesus, she gave generously of her time and talents to serve others throughout her life. In everything, from volunteering in the bookstore at First Baptist Wilmington Activities Center to becoming a Stephen Minister with Stephen Ministries to provide Christ-centered care for individuals in life crises, she served with her whole heart from a place of love and glorifying God - not herself.

Brenda loved unconditionally. This was most apparent in the way she loved her family. She is survived by her children, April Short (Paul) of Scituate, MA and Julie Martine (Mike) of Hampstead, NC; her beloved grandchildren, Katelyn, Abigail, Benjamin and Piper; her loving nieces, nephews and extended family and by several lifelong and cherished friends. She now joins her parents and sisters, Diane Scott, Bessie “Lou” Griffin and Lynn Whitley in a heavenly homecoming.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 20 at First Baptist Church of Wilmington, 411 Market St., Wilmington, NC. Visitation 10:00 – 11:00 am; Service immediately following at 11:00 am. The following day, a brief Burial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 21 at Pineview Cemetery, 710 W. Hamlet St., Pinetops, NC.

If lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of the following:

Dementia Alliance of North Carolina or First Baptist Church of Wilmington (Memorial/Honorarium Donations)

The family would like to extend gratitude to the caregivers at Champions Memory Care and New Estuary Home Care for their love and support for Mom during this difficult journey.