Communities across North Carolina are sharing a profound sense of loss following the death of Brenda Lowery Kelso, age seventy-three, who passed away on January 4, 2026, in the presence of her relatives. Her tranquil departure concluded a life distinguished by loyalty, benevolence, and a steadfast dedication to her loved ones.
Born in Harriman, Tennessee, on May 29, 1952, to Samuel and Betty Lowery (née Miller), her youth in Morristown, Tennessee, fostered the genial and inquisitive nature that characterized her interactions. This period established the core principles—familial bonds, empathy, and perseverance—that would guide her subsequent years.
Her path shifted significantly in July 1970 upon meeting John Kelso, Jr. while both were employed at Morristown-Hamblen Hospital. A swift romance led to their marriage on October 3, 1970, initiating a union that spanned over fifty-five years. Together, they reared two children, Byron and Melissa, cultivating a household abundant with shared mirth, mutual commitment, and collective experiences.
The family relocated to North Carolina in 1980, where they continued to foster their domestic life with diligent effort. Her identity was fundamentally interwoven with her roles as partner, parent, and grandparent, investing deeply in constructing a stable and affectionate environment. Her consistent presence provided a foundation of solace and happiness for her kin and acquaintances.
During retirement, she and her spouse enthusiastically adopted a mobile lifestyle, acquiring a recreational vehicle and journeying extensively throughout the nation for more than ten years. These travels yielded numerous valued recollections, fostered new connections, and provided enriching encounters. Her inclination for discovery and novel experiences rendered this period particularly significant.
While her physical presence has ceased, her enduring influence persists within the sentiments of her family and all who knew her. She will be recalled as a committed partner, a nurturing parent, a treasured grandparent, and an individual whose gentleness and inner fortitude created a lasting impression. Her narrative, one of affection, kinship, and exploration, will continue to motivate those fortunate enough to have been part of it.