Brenda Goodnight Phillips, affectionately known as Nanny, went home to be with Jesus on October 22, 2026, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville while surrounded by her family. Born on September 4, 1943, in Catawba County, North Carolina Brenda lived a life filled with love and devotion to her family and faith.

A cherished and active member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church in Maiden, NC, Brenda’s heart was deeply rooted in her love for Jesus. She loved to be involved in WOM and enjoyed filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. She was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Known for her warm spirit and kindness, she also had a fondness for Mountain Dew, which brought a smile to those who knew her well. She loved to do word searches, watch John Wayne and play with her great-grandbabies. 

Nanny was never one to sit still. She loved to be surrounded by her family and all the noise that came along with them. She had every job under the sun. She cleaned houses, worked in dry cleaning, managed nurseries for churches, hung wallpaper and kept children.  

Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Nathan and Ethel Minnie Goodnight; her daughter, Pamela Phillips Lemmon; her sister, Sylvia Goodnight Starnes; daughter-in-law Sandra Phillips; and son-in-law Brian Greenway. She leaves behind a loving family including her children Donovan Phillips and his wife Becky of McClellanville, SC; Harold Phillips and his wife Kathie of Taylorsville, NC; Danita Greenway of Hickory, NC; Alan Phillips of Stony Point, NC; and Celeste Phillips of Catawba, NC. Brenda also cherished thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who will carry her memory forward.

Her laughter will be missed and her witty sarcasm will never be forgotten

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, honoring Brenda’s compassionate spirit and the care she valued.