Brenda Denise Dries

Brenda Denise Dries, 70 of Sylva, passed away on October 19, 2024. She was born on May 30, 1954 in Starke, Florida to the late Cline Deitz and the late Jewel Deitz Crawford. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Deitz Roten; a brother, Daniel Cline Deitz; and paternal grandparents, Danah and Alvin Deitz.

She was a graduate of Sylva Webster High School and of Southwestern Tech where she graduated with a degree in nursing. Brenda worked for over 48 years in nursing at various hospitals throughout western North Carolina and Illinois.

In 1977, she married Joseph Dries of Lake Lure, North Carolina and together they had a son also named Joseph (Joey).

She is survived by Joseph, Joey; two sisters, Darleene Stokley (Bob) and Donna Sullivan of Starke, Florida; two brothers, Randy Crawford of Starke, Florida and Ronnie Crawford (Eva) of Morristown, Tennessee. She is also survived by her aunt Frankie Ward and uncle Loy Deitz of Sylva, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses of the Harris hospitals of Sylva and Swain for the great care that was provided to Brenda over the last months of her life.

No services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Helene Relief Fund or to East Fork Cemetery Fund, care of Randall Buchanan.

Arrangements are in care of Appalachian Funeral Services, an online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com.