WILMINGTON — Brenda Kay (Atkinson) Byrd, age 68, of Sneads Ferry, NC, left this earthly life for her eternal rest on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Brenda was born on April 19, 1958, in Wilmington, NC, the daughter of the late Dawsey Troy Atkinson and Eva Mae (Mott) Rogers. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Franklin Byrd, and her siblings, Albert “Troy” Atkinson, Anita “Gail” (Atkinson) Cyr, and Eva “Ann” (Rogers) Underwood.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her sons, Shanon Ray Cavenaugh of Wallace, NC, and Adam Jerome Cavenaugh (Anh) of Cary, NC; her daughter, Amanda Cavenaugh Smith (Greg) of Wilmington, NC; her former husband, father of her children and lifelong best friend, Vernon Cavenaugh; her stepdaughter, Tammy (Byrd) Sulse of Clinton, NC; her brother, James William Atkinson (Holly) of Harrells, NC; seven grandchildren, Dalton Cavenaugh, Cortney Cavenaugh, Michael Farabee, River Cavenaugh, Asher Cavenaugh, Amelie Cavenaugh, and Arlo Cavenaugh; two step-grandchildren, Bradley and Brooke Sulse; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
Brenda was a beloved mother, grandmother, family member, and friend whose life touched those around her in countless ways. Raised in a hardworking farming family, she spent most of her life in southeastern North Carolina and always had a special love for the coast, with fond memories of fishing, clamming, and oystering with her siblings. She was happiest on the water, surrounded by family and friends.
At her core, Brenda was a deeply loving person who cherished time spent with her children and family. She took great pride in her children and wore it as a badge of honor. Her kindness, strength, and devotion to those she loved were unwavering through both the good times and the difficult ones. She was also fiercely independent, strong-willed, and feisty, and she always spoke her mind and never backed down from her beliefs, for better or worse. Anyone who knew Brenda well knew she was a force to be reckoned with, and those qualities were an unforgettable part of who she was. Above all, when Brenda loved you, you never had to wonder how she felt.
Before retiring, Brenda devoted many years to caring for others as a CNA, bringing patience and compassion to her work. She gave that same care to her late husband and her mother until their passing.
Brenda enjoyed Southern food and had a broad appreciation for multicultural cuisine, with egg rolls a particular favorite. She was a great cook, and her specialties included giblet gravy, butter beans, and collard greens. Some of the memories her family will treasure most are the times spent cooking and gardening with her, on family outings, and at holidays, along with her devoted cat sitting of her “grandcats.”
Visitation with family and friends to remember her life will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Andrews Mortuary Market Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Mott Cemetery, 2903 Alpine Church Road in Harrells, NC.
The family would love for you to share your memories of Brenda.
