Brenda Sue Watson Gray

Brenda Sue Watson Gray passed away January 14, 2024 at her home in Cullowhee after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  Her family and friends will always remember her courage and faith when she faced a devastating diagnosis.  

She is survived by her son Kyle Watson Gray whom she worshiped along with his favorite dogs,  sister Mary Jo Jones (Carroll), brother Frank Watson (Donna), nieces Shawn Tomforde, Autumn Lance (Kenneth), Whitney Crowe (Randall), Zackary Watson (Alexandra) and six great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.  Also a special friend Donna Coggins who served as a caring caregiver for both her and her late mother Lora.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Lora Watson and a beloved aunt, Doris Long Willett.  

Brenda attended Cullowhee High School where she was elected Miss Rebel her senior year. She was also a member of the Honor Society among other honors.  She graduated from WCU majoring in math and education and went on to earn her master's degree.

She began teaching Math in Virginia in 1971 and taught for thirty years.  She ended her teaching career as math department chair in Henrico County School.  She then moved back to Cullowhee, lovingly restored her grandparents home and became a well-known realtor in WNC.  She was especially proud of mentoring her nephew Zack as he became a realtor. 

Brenda considered her greatest honor was opening her beloved home and being primary caregiver to her mother Lora.  During those years, her home became a gathering place for her siblings, nieces and nephews and their children.  She loved to sit in the chair that her grandmother sat in and swing her great nieces and nephews in the swing that she enjoyed as a child with her brother and sister.   She decorated the giant "magical" boxwood next to her home on Christmas and Easter for children to enjoy.  Brenda gave with her heart, unconditionally. Much of Brenda's life was about following examples she had been taught and her faith in God. She will be greatly missed and remembered as an example to follow.

In the last several months of her battle with cancer, Brenda was able to stay at her family home surrounded by family.  A special thanks to her favorite (and only), sister Mary Jo for coming straight home and  becoming her primary and most organized and faithful caregiver.  Donna Watson for preparing food for a hungry bunch and preparing Brenda's last requested meal," Donna's chicken and dumplings". Also, to Carroll Jones for dropping everything and returning from the sunny slopes of Florida to help with any way possible. .  And of course to Donna Coggins for being there with us for years.  

At her request, a private ceremony will be held at her home.  

In lieu of flowers, Brenda requests that contributions in remembrance  be made to The Community TAble, 23 Central Street, Sylva, NC  28779 or St Jude's Hospital.