Brenda Ellen Penland, age 79, of Canton, North Carolina, went home to be welcomed with open arms by the many loved ones who had gone before her on March 20, 2026, at Silver Bluff Village.

A native of Haywood County, Brenda was the daughter of the late Clinton Drake and Flora West Drake. She was also preceded in death by; her brothers, Mike Drake and Randy Drake; and her grandparents, Newton and Bertha Drake.

Brenda spent many years working at Walmart, where she served as a cashier and door greeter for over 20 years. She even helped open the first Walmart to come to Haywood County. Brenda also worked as a nursing assistant for many different local Nursing homes and in textiles at the American Enka Plant during her earlier career. She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Canton.

Brenda had a love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed shopping, watching the Atlanta Braves, and attending games whenever she could. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family and especially loved watching her “grand fur baby” LeeLee play.

Brenda is survived by her son, Dana Penland (Jessica); her nieces, Karen Drake of Orlando, Florida, and Lisa Mctyre of Gulf Breeze, Florida; her great-nephew, Garrison Mctyre; her cousins, Rhonda Smiley of Waynesville, Ketta Nelson, Barbara Nelson, Jon Nelson, and Mitch and Laura Nelson. She is also survived by her previous loving husband, Charles Robert Penland

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, doctors, and staff of Silver Bluff Village for their care, compassion, and support shown to Brenda.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Crawford Ray Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, located at Wells Funeral Home in Canton.