Brenda Kay Stokes

Brenda Kay Stokes, 75, of Gate City, VA, born May 17, 1951 went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 5, 2026, following a tragic accident.

To know Brenda was to love her. Affectionately known to her family as “Aunt Bee” she was one of the sweetest, kindest and most caring people you could ever have the privilege of knowing. She had a heart for people and a special way of making everyone feel loved and welcome. She loved deeply and made sure the people in her life knew how much she cared for them.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey Ellis Stokes and Anna Kate Stokes; her grandparents, Verdie Mae Kilgore Hartsock and Samuel D. Hartsock and Margaret Elizabeth Spears Stokes and Harvey Clifford Stokes; and her longtime companion and the love of her life, Bobby Shelton.

Left to cherish her memory are her brother, David Stokes and wife Jan; her sisters, Linda Reynolds, Deborah Wood and husband Jim, and Donna Gilreath and husband Donnie; along with many very special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whom she absolutely adored. In addition to her family, she is also survived some of Bobby’s special nieces and nephews, including Dale Byrd and family and Joyce Byrd McConnell and family.

Brenda’s home was more than simply a house- it was a gathering spot for many. Her door was always open, and everyone was welcome. She hosted Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, birthdays and sometimes occasions that didn’t need a name or spot on the calendar at all. If there was a reason for getting the family together, Aunt Bee was always ready to host. Her family will forever treasure the countless cookouts, game days, soup days, celebrations, laughter and memories shared in the warmth of her home.

Brenda worked for many years at Richmond Hardware and continued working there as the store transitioned to Mark’s Hardware. After the hardware store closed, she went to Weber City Drug Center and worked at the front counter until her retirement in April of 2026. She never simply waited on customers, but she greeted friends and familiar faces with her warm smile, that everyone gravitated to. Through the years, countless people in the community came to know and love her.

She was a faithful member of Daniel Boone Baptist Church in Gate City, VA. Her faith was something she leaned on. Following a recent health scare, she made sure those around her knew that she was trusting Jesus to bring her through- and He did just that. This makes the suddenness of her passing especially difficult for those who loved her. We don’t

understand the timing, but Brenda knew where her hope was found, and today her family chooses to hold onto the same faith that she so faithfully clung to.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Brenda loved the beach and treasured the trips and memories made there with her family. She loved parades with her family and Gate City football games with her friends. She enjoyed going to yard sales with her special friend, Connie and always welcomed the opportunity to go find a good deal. She loved being surrounded by friends and family, making memories and finding reasons to “cut up a watermelon” and celebrate life together.

For the record, Brenda did NOT like coconut. Anyone who knew her well enough knew that. It is one of those little things that seem insignificant to everyone else but will forever make the people who loved her smile and whisper, “That’s Aunt Bee.”

Her family and friends would unanimously agree that no gathering was complete without her sausage balls. She was requested to make them at just about every gathering and she never disappointed. They were usually gone almost as quickly as she could set them down.

Brenda was blessed with an amazing friend circle. Among her circle, a few of her cherished friends were Connie Hoff, husband Thomas, son Daniel and their dog Buddy, who held a very special place in her heart. She is also survived by special friends, Genie Griffin, Darlene Walters and husband Gary, Sherry Bartlett and husband Larry- also known as “LEB”, whose initials she faithfully wrote in the sand at the beach every year. Attempting to list every friend that she loved and that loved her would be impossible. She had so many wonderful friends and people that loved her, there is simply no way to name them all.

Our hearts are broken, and there are questions for which we simply do not have answers. But because of the faith Brenda held so dearly, we know this is not goodbye forever. The same Jesus she trusted through life’s valleys is the One she is with today.

The world feels a little less sweet without Aunt Bee in it, but we know Heaven got a lot sweeter the moment she stepped into The Arms of Her Savior.

The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 11AM to 1PM at Gateway Baptist Church in Weber City. Following visitation, there will be a funeral service officiated by Pastor Jeff Deboard and Pastor Scott Vermillion. Music will be provided by Eric and Luanne McMurray. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service in Holston View Cemetery, with Martin Stokes speaking at the graveside. Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Dixon, Ethan Dixon, Donnie Gilreath, Daniel Batts, Jared Anderson, Joey Wintz, Bobby Reynolds and Sammy Wood. Honorary pallbearers will be Kent Snapp, Larry Snapp, Mark Blanton, Larry Bartlett, Gary Walters and beloved great-nephews Gunner Batts and Asher Anderson.

Friends and loved ones are welcome to visit with the family at Brenda’s home in the days leading up to the service.