Brenda Lorraine Smith Murphy, of Winston-Salem, NC passed away peacefully on March 28, 2022, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home after an extensive illness.

Brenda was the fifth child born to John Franklin and Nausie Walker Smith of Fayetteville, NC on August 17, 1944, and was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Murphy; parents; and siblings, Maxine, Vera, and Kenneth; along with her nephew, Ronald Moss, Jr.

Brenda was a graduate of E. E. Smith Senior High School in Fayetteville, NC, and Shaw University - Raleigh, NC.  Upon her college graduation, Brenda began her teaching career in New Bern, NC.  She retired after more than 25 years of teaching in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, where she was passionate about ensuring the functional literacy of all children. She shared her dedication to teaching with students at North Elementary, South Fork Elementary and Hall-Woodward Elementary Schools.

Brenda was also a favorite aunt to her niece, Cheryl Currie-Gaines; nephews, George B. Moore and Reggie Gaines; along with great-nieces, Keisha and Amaya Gaines.  Brenda is also survived by her cousin, Sylvia Williams; brother-in-law, Ronald Moss, Sr.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A private, family memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022.