Brenda Ann Franklin James

Brenda Ann Franklin James, 77, of Haw River, North Carolina, passed away on August 12, 2026, after courageously fighting cancer for six years. Born on May 22, 1949, in Alamance County, Brenda lived her life with warmth, grace, and a deep devotion to the people she loved. She graduated from Southern Alamance High School in 1967 and carried the values of hard work, kindness, and faith throughout her life. Brenda was a Christian, and her faith was an important part of the strength and comfort she shared with others. Brenda dedicated many years of service to her work and community. She served as the head bookkeeper for Winn-Dixie for 14 years and later managed Peaches and Cream in Mebane for many years. In every role she held, she was known for her dependability, her friendly spirit, and the care she showed to those around her. She took pride in doing her work well and in making others feel welcome and valued. Brenda found great joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. She loved her flowers, enjoyed taking trips to the mountains and the beach, and was always planning the next family adventure. She especially loved baking cakes for birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions as a way to show her love. She was an avid shopper who loved to laugh, read, dance, listen to music, and wear her special hats. Brenda also enjoyed hosting gatherings for any event and every holiday, and all were welcome at her table. Her home and her heart were always open, and her family will forever cherish the memories made there. Above all else, Brenda loved her family deeply and unconditionally. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Richard Paul James Sr.; her daughter, Renee Gunn, and husband Bob; her son, Ritchie James, and wife Tracy; her grandchildren, Tadd Rhodes and wife Sarah, Nikki Boggs and partner David, Trey Boggs and wife Abby, Bryce James, and Macy James and partner Ayden; her great-grandchildren, Kaiden Boggs, Ryland Buckner, and James Henry Rhodes; her brothers, James Henry Franklin Jr. and Mike Franklin; and many loving nieces and nephews. Her love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was the reason for so many of her smiles and the center of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, James H. Franklin Sr. and Annie “Doris” Rice Franklin; her grandson, TJ Rhodes; and her brothers, Ricky, Woody, and Gary Franklin. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday August 17, 2026, at the McClure Funeral Home Chapel in Graham with the Pastor Sammy Ballard officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday August 16, 2026, from 3:00 until 5:00 PM at the funeral home and other times at the residence of the family. Burial will be held at Alamance Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice at 918 Chapel Hill RD. Burlington, NC 27215