Brenda (Abernethy) Taylor, 78, of Marshall, NC left her earthly home to be in eternal peace with Jesus on March 14, 2024. She serenely passed in her sleep in Asheville, NC surrounded by her devoted family after a previously unknown battle with cancer. Although she passed relatively quickly and unexpectedly, the years preceding her transition were filled with joy, love, and laughter.

Brenda was born on January 1, 1946, in Gastonia, NC to Boyd and Gladys Abernethy. Living there only a short time, most of Brenda’s youth was spent in Hildebran, NC, where she enjoyed spending time with her older brother, younger brother, and younger sister. After she attended Kings Business College in Charlotte, NC, she returned to Hildebran and married her husband, Douglas Taylor, on September 4, 1965. The couple settled in Marshall, NC where they raised their three daughters and Brenda eventually retired as an administrative assistant for the Madison County District Attorney’s Office.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Linda Abernethy; and eldest brother, Tony Abernethy.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Douglas; daughters, Kimberly Jamison (Steve), Autumn Taylor (fiancé Kevin), and Nicole Norton (Steve); along with her 6 grandchildren, their spouses, and 1 great-grandchild. She is also missed by her brother, Dale Abernethy (Alice) and sister Tammy Gilbert (Doug), in addition to numerous other loved ones, including many nieces and nephews, as well as close friends.

Although she partook in many endeavors throughout her life, none were as important to her as the roles she had as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with family, followed by shopping, and caring for her flower garden and pets. A gifted woman, Brenda was a devoted Christian, dedicated mother, faithful wife, loving sister, affectionate grandmother, and a beautiful soul.

Though this time brings about much sorrow and pain, nothing compares to the happiness Brenda brought all who knew her. She will be thought of often with fond memories of her gentleness and warm embrace, not without lack of her subtle feistiness and sense of humor. Brenda will always be remembered as the matriarch of an incredible family, who without her, couldn’t exist. We thank God for her life and the life she gave us.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday March 17, 2024, in Turkey Creek Baptist Church. In Honor of Brenda, the family requests that everyone wear her favorite colors, pink or tan. Reverend Mark Caldwell will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, at the church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.