LINCOLNTON, N.C. - Brenda Wilkinson Ballard of Lincolnton died August 8, 2024 after a long illness. 

She was born March 29, 1941 in Maiden to Addie Wilkinson Turbyfill and Woodrow C. Wilkinson.

After Brenda graduated from Maiden High School she continued her studies at Kings College of Charlotte. She worked for over 30 years as a teller at the Boger City branch of First Citizens Bank.  She cared for her customers and was always greeted fondly by them after her retirement. Brenda was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Lincolnton as a longtime member of the Friends Class and a devoted UMYF adult leader.

Above all, Brenda was a loving wife and mother who always had the time to listen when someone needed to talk. Everyone felt loved after time spent with her.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, J. Ronald Ballard, her daughter, Stephanie Ballard Schou, son-in-law Rick Schou, her adored granddaughter, Taryn Elizabeth Schou who called her Oma, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, C. Dale Wilkinson, her sister-in-law, Betty Rose Wilkinson, and her son, Jonathan Blake Ballard.

Brenda was a warm and loving person who will be missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lincolnton on August 19, 2024.

Visitation will take place in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 1 p.m. with the service to follow in the sanctuary at 2 p.m.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Ballard family.