Brenda Arnold
Fuquay-Varina – Brenda Jean Arnold passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on October 13th 2025. She was born August 19, 1946, in Chalybeate NC. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Thomas Funeral Home Chapel, 401 N Ennis Street, Fuquay-Varina. The family will receive friend one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at Olive Branch Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her father, John G Arnold and her mother, Ruby Mae Bowling Arnold; brothers, Tommy Arnold, Charlie Arnold, Preston Kinton Jr; and sisters, Shirley Dean and Patsy Ferguson.
She is survived by her daughter, Terry and husband, John; granddaughters, Tonette and husband, Dan & Tara; grandsons, Brandon & Patrick; great grandsons, Tyler & Junior. Also, her brother, John Edward Arnold; sisters, Betty Denton, Joyce Frazier, and Linda Page; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She had a passion and was a devoted Dale Earnhardt fan. Proof can be found in the tire from when he ran at Bristol that sat in her bedroom, for all these years. A highlight of family trips was an adventure to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Dale Earnhardt shop where she met Chocolate Meyers. Along with the numerous memorabilia, and even a #3 Christmas tree, she was dedicated to her man in black.
Brenda was a remarkable person. She was strong and spoke her mind. She retired from Raychem (Tyco) after 35 years in 2016, where she worked in the maintenance department and shipping and receiving. With Brenda the job was going to be done right, or she was going to tell you in a rather pointed way where you messed up. However, behind the mask was one of the sweetest people in world. When a family friend went through tough times, she played secret Santa for her kids until she could get back on her feet. And her grandkids always knew she would get them the latest video game or shoes when they heard “no” from their Mom & Dad.
Everyone close to her knew her as “Nannie.” Her greatest joy was the time she spent with her family and friends. She was so proud of her grandkids, who could do no wrong. Nannie will be loved and missed.