February 9, 2025. 70, Goldsboro —
Brenda Summerlin Taylor, 70, of Goldsboro passed away February 9, 2025 at Sutton’s Retirement Center surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Brenda was born February 17, 1954 in Wayne County to the late Willie Jones Summerlin Sr. and Josephine Jones Summerlin. She attended New Hope High School where she met many friends with whom she remained close until her death.
In her earlier years, Brenda loved to roller skate, line dance, and was involved in several Goldsboro Corvette Clubs. She was employed with Clearview Opticians where she developed many lifelong friendships. After her family moved back to North Carolina following a brief stint in Arkansas, Brenda ran the family store, New Hope Grocery, in the Eastern Wayne area. Her employees became part of her family and remained fixtures in her life, even after she sold the business.
Her greatest pride and joy in life was watching the growth and success of her daughter, Brittney. Even despite her busy schedule, Brenda never missed one of her many golf matches, or even practices, often traveling across the state. She was a constant fixture, following in a golf cart with a cooler full of Mountain Dew and mini-sized Baby Ruth candy bars.
While she loved being called Mama, her favorite title was given to her in 2017 when she became Grandma to Jack and, two years later, Henry. Her grandsons were doted on and she cherished spending time with them, attending tee ball and baseball games, watching them make Lego creations, and sneaking them candy and sweet tea.
In 2020, Brenda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, but that did not stop her from enjoying time with her family, traveling to Charlotte to see her grandsons, and going to the beach with her cousin, Linda (“Tuda”). Even in her final years when her memory faded, Brenda continued to love listening to the Beatles and watching golf while talking about Tiger Woods with her favorite son in law, Derek. Her favorite day of the week was Friday when her brother, Willie Jr., would join her for Bingo.
As a final gift of altruistic love and hope, Brenda will be donating a part of her physical self for research on Alzheimer’s Disease.
Brenda is survived by her daughter, Brittney Taylor Adler and husband Derek of Charlotte; her grandsons, Jack and Henry Adler of Charlotte; her brother Willie Summerlin Jr. and partner Donna Cannon of Goldsboro; her cousin who was more like a twin sister, Linda Juba, of Goldsboro; and nephews Trey Summerlin of Goldsboro and Nicholas Summerlin of Wilmington. She is also survived by grandnieces, who called her Aunt LaLa, Ava and Alivia Summerlin of Goldsboro; and Brittney’s father, Tony Taylor, and wife Rita, with whom she remained close.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 12th from 5-6 p.m., followed by her memorial service. The family will also receive friends after the service.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to the wonderful staff members of Sutton’s Retirement Center. While Brenda was only there a short time, she was undoubtedly at peace with those who gave her such compassionate care until the end.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Sutton’s Retirement Center.
