Brenda Robertson Booze

November 7, 1947 – May 19, 2026

Brenda Robertson Booze, a beautiful soul inside and out, passed away on May 19, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, beauty, and grace. Born Brenda Leigh Robertson on November 7, 1947, in Appomattox, Virginia, she was the cherished daughter of the late William Roy Robertson and Beulah Dobbins Robertson.

Brenda’s warmth and beauty were recognized early in life when she was crowned Miss Appomattox in 1965. She went on to dedicate her life to the care of others, graduating from the Danville Nursing School and embarking on a long, fulfilling career as a nurse. Her gentle touch and compassionate care comforted countless families during her time at F. Read Hopkins Pediatrics and Lynchburg Family Practice Residency.

Brenda brought an undeniable positivity whenever she entered a room; simply being in her company put people at ease. She was incredibly generous to her dear friends, always planning special trips and events to ensure everyone could share wonderful, memorable times together. Her final years were spent in Leland, North Carolina, a happy coastal spot where she flourished surrounded by wonderful friendships. The accompanying photograph perfectly captures her vibrant spirit in nearby Calabash, North Carolina, on June 6, 2023 - radiant and full of life while enjoying beach music, dancing with Steve, and being surrounded by those she loved the most.

Though she brought joy to so many, Brenda carried her own profound sorrow. The loss of her only son, Jeffery Craig Stanley, who died at the age of 17 on June 24, 1987, following a tragic car accident, was always heavy on her heart - an enduring grief she carried quietly throughout her life. In her final days, she found deep comfort in God’s peace. She drew her final breath at the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick - Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Bolivia, North Carolina, in an embrace of pure love, as her devoted sister and adoring husband tenderly held her hands, with June Adamio and Ray Ortiz present by her side, while her cherished dogs, Ollie and Lily Belle, remained cuddled closely. That peace is now perfected, and she rests in His presence, free from all pain.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, William and Beulah Robertson; her first husband, Bobby Stanley; her husband of 30 years, Richard "Dick" Booze; Randy Foster, with whom she shared a commitment ceremony; her beloved son, Jeff; and her beloved stepson, Trent Conrad.

She leaves behind her husband, Steve Conrad, whom she adored. Steve and Brenda felt incredibly blessed by their five beautiful years together, a time filled with deep love and companionship. Through her marriage to Steve, she is survived by her step-family: son Chan Conrad (Chris); grandson Aidan Conrad; grandson Liam Conrad (Madeline) and great-grandsons Cillian (who lovingly called her Grammy) and Henrik Conrad; and grandson Kagan Conrad. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Amber Conrad (widow of Trent); grandson Whitley and beloved granddaughter Aislyn; and daughter Stefanie Conrad (Reed Patterson, a beloved son-in-law who visited Brenda often during her illness). She is also survived by Deb Pickett, an unbelievably caring "daughter/sister." She is also survived by a very special family whom Steve considers his own and who loved Brenda dearly: Byron and Mary Tabor, along with their children, Luke, Savannah, Lily, and Jewell. Steve and Brenda were blessed to have two "special daughters," Evey Wooten and Marty Weems, and a "special son," Ray Ortiz, who offered continuous love, comfort, and support throughout Brenda's journey. They were also blessed by their dear friend, Phyllis Highsmith, who provided immense love, comfort, and support.

Through her marriage to her late husband Dick Booze, she is also survived by her stepdaughter, Linda Seamans (late husband Mike); grandson, Shane Seamans (Jill); and great-grandsons, Nolan and Nash.

Brenda is also survived by her devoted sister, Robbie Matthews (and her significant other, Jack Hutcherson); her nephews, Todd Matthews (Christina), Rodney Matthews (Sherry), and Brett Matthews; her niece, Cheryl Toler (Alan); and many adoring great-nephews and great-nieces. Her memory will also be treasured by her special cousins, Dave Robertson (Karen), Joe Robertson (Martha), and Tommy Knight (Carolyn), with whom she was wonderfully reunited just a few years ago.

Heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation are extended to hospice physician Dr. Rebecca Lee, as well as Dr. Laura Alder and Nurse Practitioner Suzi Moss at Duke, and former neighbor and physician Dr. Bobbi Lancaster, who provided vital alignment with Duke, along with the other dedicated doctors and nurses for their exceptional care. The family is also profoundly grateful to her hospice and skilled care workers who provided such gentle comfort: Kim Quinn, Latoria Morgan, Mickey, Wendy Reavis, Janet Gorrell, Jane Murphy, and Phyllis Bowen. Special thanks are also extended to Robbie George for his kindness and vital assistance in transporting Brenda for her final arrangements.

Deep gratitude is also extended to Karen Robertson, Debbie Aquanno, Janet Anderson, Judy Davies, Peggy Baden, Loretta Baumann, Sandy Bandier, June Adamio, Terri Mann, Jane Harkness, Penny Aviotti and their dear friends at Al-Anon, whose attentive care and support to Brenda and Steve’s needs during her final days were a true blessing. Steve also wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Connor Smith of WECT-TV in Wilmington for his vital assistance in helping to fulfill Brenda’s final wish of sharing her difficult and frustrating healthcare journey in order to help others in the future.

Brenda will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched, but her angelic presence will remain with us always.

A memorial service officiated by Phil Stephens, Byron Tabor and Jim Glasgow will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 6, at Andrews Funeral Home, 1617 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401. A visitation with the family will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Brenda's name to either of the following organizations to honor her memory and her deep love for dogs:

• Beyond Fences, PO Box 3259, Durham, NC 27715 (beyondfences.org)

• Central Virginia Regional Rescue, P.O. Box 2172, Forest, VA 24551 (cvrrescue.org)