Brenda Merita Hargrave, 74, died Tuesday, April 5 at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital after a short illness.


Brenda was born August 14, 1947 in Davidson County to Mattie Terry and William (Pauline) Hargrave. She was a long-time, dedicated member of Union Baptist Church in Lincoln Park in Lexington, NC. She worked for the Davidson County Sheriffs Department and the North Carolina Women's Prison for over 20 years. She graduated from Dunbar High School. She earned her Associate's Degree from Davidson County Community College, her Bachelor's Degree from Winston-Salem State University and a Master's Degree from Strayer University.


Brenda was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, William "Bill" (Pauline) Hargrave, Sr.; her stepfather, Lewis Terry; infant daughter, Cassandra Miller; sisters, Vera (Ivey) Petty, Angelene Terry and brothers: William "Moochie" Hargrave, Carlos Terry and Angelo "Bertie" (Candace) Terry.


She is survived by her mother, Mattie Terry; sisters, Sadie Vinson and Denise (Norman) Johnson; brothers: Tyrone Terry, Ronald (Rosa) Terry and Wendell (Marty) Hargrave; a loving daughter, Deandrala "Tuggie" (Wallace) Yokley; a loving son, Anthony (Heidi) Miller; five grandchildren: Cassandra Miller, Chaunelle Yokley, RJ Yokley, Angelo Miller and DeAndre Miller; two great grandchildren, Aubrei Miller and Demarcus Miller; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a special friend, Frank Price.


The family would like to issue a very special thank you to Donna F. Berry for providing them an opportunity for one last smile, hug and goodbye.


The family will receive family and friends at the home of Mattie Terry in Lexington, NC.