Brenda Lupton Frankie

Brenda Lupton Frankie, 68, of Winterville, formerly of New Bern, entered eternal life while at home on Friday, July 5, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Brenda was the first child born to James Lloyd, Jr. and Sara Hill Lupton of Whortonsville on August 31, 1950.  She lived many years in that small community until the family moved to Bayboro.  She was a member of the Pamlico County High School Class of 1968.  Brenda also graduated from Hardbarger Junior College of Business shortly after high school graduation and, later in life, she earned her LPN and RN from Craven Community College.  She worked as a nurse for several years in New Bern.

Family has always been an important part of Brenda’s life. She loved having family over to celebrate holidays, other special occasions or simply “just because.” She wanted her immediate and extended family members to enjoy one another’s company as often as possible. She knew that it was through these gatherings that long-lasting memories were made and relationships strengthened.

In addition to her love of family, she loved the water and beach. Growing up in Pamlico County, she learned to enjoy the water at an early age, spending countless hours boating, fishing, swimming and skiing on the creeks and rivers of the County.  Later, she found that she enjoyed the smell of the salty ocean air, the feeling of sand between her toes and the sound of ocean waves crashing on the beach.

There was a season of her life during which Brenda spent time dancing, specifically shagging.  She loved to dance and enjoyed the beach music that came along with it.  Brenda enjoyed shagging enough that she taught shag lessons for a time.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Brian Frankie; daughter, Kelly Toler (Kenny) Horner of New Bern; step-son, Cort (Becca) Frankie of Cameron; step-daughter, Brianne (Jewell) Chambers of Raeford; grandchildren, Kenlee Horner, Madison Matthews, Ava Chambers, Andy Chambers, Caitlyn Frankie, Margaret “Maggie” Frankie, Luke Frankie; brother, Bruce (Dianne) Lupton of Silver Hill; sister, Paula (Alan) Woodard of Reelsboro; niece, Ashlynne (Jonathan) Peters; nephews, Brian (Kacey) Lupton, Mark (Laura) Lupton, Jordan (Melissa) Woodard; and, several great-nieces and great-nephews.  She also leaves behind a precious fur baby, Bailee, who brought her much joy.  Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, James L. and Sara H. Lupton, her step-daughter, Brandy Matthews, and her nephew, John P. Lupton.

Brenda’s memorial service will be Saturday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel, 52 Bryant Street, Alliance with Rev. Alan Woodard and Rev. Jordan Woodard presiding.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service at Bryant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Cancer Society ( www.cancer.org or 800-227-2345) or to your favorite charity.