Brenda Joyce Hickman Smoke, the daughter of the late Richard Sr. and Vera C. Hickman was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina on July 23, 1951. On Thursday morning, May 21, 2020, she made a peaceful transition as God called his devoted child home. She was preceded in death by her brother, Nelson Hickman and sister, Phyllis Diann Munnerlyn.
Brenda attended Pinckney High School and subsequently graduated from Union Pines High School in 1969. She later became a licensed beautician after graduating from DeShazor Cosmetology School, Durham NC.
Brenda was employed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for thirty-three years. She retired in 2007. Following her retirement, she moved to Sanford, NC and was a volunteer at Central Carolina Hospital.
Brenda accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior and was a member of Faith Tabernacle Oasis of Love International Church, in Chapel Hill, NC under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Ila D. McMillan. For the past three years, she faithfully attended Harrington Chapel FWB Church, in Southern Pines, NC under the leadership of Elder Kevin B. Henry.
Brenda possessed a multitude of beautiful qualities. She had much style and finesse. From her vibrant hairstyles and colorful glasses, to her love of hats and leopard print, she was a woman of style who had class and confidence to pull it off. Brenda was "always" lthe life of the party. She was full of joy and loved to laugh. She always had a listening ear and willingly helped family, friends, and even strangers she encountered. There was never a dull moment when Brenda was around.
Brenda had a love for nature and was a connoisseur of plant life. Like her father, she had a green thumb and had a special touch that could make anything grow. Her children saw her as an amazing mom, loving and full of compassion. She poured into them spiritually and morally. Her nurturing values will remain and continue to grow in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Surviving to cherish her precious memories are two loving children, a son, Donald Smoke Jr. and daughter, Kelly (Harry) Patrick of Durham, NC; one grandson, Dylan Smoke of Durham, NC; two brothers, Richard (Nell) Hickman Jr. of Fredericksburg, VA, and Larry Hickman of Carthage, NC; four sisters, Shirley Siler of Gibsonville, NC, Linda Hickmond of Goldsboro, NC, Eleanor (Woodrow) Hardy of Carthage, NC and Doretha (Jesse) Lynch of Cameron, NC; brother in law, Lee Munnerlyn of Southern Pines, NC and sister-in-law, Mary Hickman of Greensboro, NC; one uncle, Denzel (Yvonne) Covington of Carthage, NC; two special nephews/sons, Lawrence Hickmond of Cameron, NC and Chrisitan Hickman of Carthage, NC and one special daughter, Tracey Bowen of Durham, NC; and many other relatives and dear friends.
PRIVATE GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Professional Services Entrusted to: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford