Brenda Joy Cuthrell Centers Obituary (1963 - 2025)

Brenda Joy Cuthrell Centers, known to friends and family as Joy, was a beacon of love and dedication in the lives she touched. Born on August 21, 1963, in New Bern, North Carolina, her life's journey was one filled with compassion, creativity, and a deep love for her family and community. As a thoughtful and supportive mother, Joy spent her life nurturing those around her, always placing the needs of others before her own. Joy was an accomplished individual in her own right, having served her local community for over two decades through her work at Handy Mart. Her warm smile and dedicated service were indeed a joy to many. Passionate about her hobbies, she found pleasure in the simple things in life. Whether it was planting flowers, repurposing thrifted items, or delighting in the pages of Harry Potter, Joy approached life with enthusiasm and positivity. Her love for gospel music and her Christian faith were a testament to her spirit; she lived out the verse, "Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14). Joy's happy place was the serene and peaceful beaches of North Carolina, often taking tranquil ferry rides between Minnesott Beach and Cherry Branch. These moments of solitude and reflection were a source of strength for her. Joy found immense satisfaction in playing board games with her children and grandchildren, singing her favorite songs around the house, and just being present with them. Preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Sr. and Alma "Faye" Cuthrell; brother, Ralph Cuthrell, Jr.; sister, Alma Cuthrell; and her grandson, Landon Lewis. Joy's loving spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her, especially through her daughters, Steffanie Centers and Jessica Centers, and their father, Stevie Darrell Centers; and her grandchildren, Kayden Lewis, Shyanne Lewis, and Kinsley Woodington. A memorial service is being planned to honor Joy's life and will be announced in the coming days. We invite you to celebrate Joy's vibrant life by sharing your memories and photos on her memorial page. She left an indelible imprint on our hearts, and we find comfort in remembering the beautiful moments we shared with her.