Brenda Cotten Kelly

Brenda Cotten Kelly, 78, of Sanford, NC, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025. Brenda was born on November 9, 1946, in Wake County to Melrose Julian Cotten and Naomi Adalaide Franks Cotten.

Brenda lived a life devoted to the Lord, her family, and her friends. She was everyone’s friend and hoped to make a lasting impact in their life through prayer. She was an active member in the church, Sunday school teacher, and during her early life, she volunteered for the youth. She was a part of the Genesis Sunday School class and worked to give back to her community.

Her favorite passion was being a proud Memei to her grandchildren, and a devoted mother to her two children. She cherished spending time with her only sister and her brother-in-law, her lifelong friends, and the new ones as well.

Brenda loved to laugh, make jokes, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. She enjoyed baking gifts and buying little surprises for those she loved. For fun, she enjoyed spending time with her family, visiting her grandchildren, going on trips with her husband of 50 years, and spreading the word of Jesus. She loved to read, paint, cook, and vacation in her camper. She was avid about taking care of those in need by checking up on them and taking them to their various appointments.

Mrs. Kelly was preceded in death by her parents Melrose Julian Cotten and Naomi Adalaide Franks Cotten, also a son in law Eric Scott Painter.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Gary Kelly of Sanford; daughter Angela Kelly Painter of Lincolnton; son John Christopher Kelly of Sanford; grandchildren Lexi Painter and Deacon Painter; sister Gloria C. Cheatham of Sanford; brother-in-law Larry Cheatham of Sanford; and a niece; nephew; and three grand nieces.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Brenda’s life will be held on April 9, 2025 at 11:00 am, at Cool Springs Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am, with the service to follow. After the service, there will be a graveside prayer held at Buffalo Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Gideons International, PO Box 1032, Sanford, NC 27331-1032.