Tributes

I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV) Brenda affectionately known as “Pukin” was born on November 30, 1959 in Martin County to Elder Charlie G. Butler and the late Princess Hudgins. Brenda departed this earthly life on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC. “Punkin” was educated in the Martin County School System. Her passionate love to help others in need led her to pursue certification as a caregiver. She accepted the task to be there for others and never answered with the word “No”. “Punkin” declared that God’s purpose for her on earth was to extend the best care possible to those she loved. “Punkin” loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of Little Thankful Praise and Presence Ministries. She loved serving under the leadership of her Pastor for over twenty years, Bishop Claudie Wilkins. “Punkin” was faithful to the various committees in which she served on. She had an endless love for her First Lady and they shared a bond that could never be explained. Being the head of the First Lady Day committee, she took joy in planning the grand celebration for her dear friend. For many years she sponsored fish frys and yard sales to assist in the fundraising efforts of the ministry. “Punkin” was the epitome of how God can turn your passion into your ministry. Her great passion for cooking and yard selling became the very thing that many looked for her to do. They were impacted by her presence. Those that ate her food or visited her table at the yard sales immediately knew that they were served with love. “Punkin” was indeed a one of a kind. Words could never describe just who she was; but one thing for sure, she knew the Lord. “Punkin” was a jewel that will be deeply missed, but her legacy of affection and love can never be forgotten. She had a special place in her heart for children she adopted as her own, her step children, nieces and nephews. She would always say, “you don’t have to birth a child in order to give them a mother’s love; I am a mother at heart.” “Punkin” was preceded in death by her best friend, her mother, Princess Hudgins. “Punkin” leaves to cherish her memories, her father, Charles Alexander Butler (Sandrea) of Williamston, NC; her step-children, Mirah Ridley, Christopher Ridley, Taurian Ridley; her siblings, Carolyn Brown (Kenneth), Pamela Hudgins, Kimalee Dempsey, Charles Alexander Butler, Jr., Lavinia Butler all of Williamston, NC, Hayward Beach (Gloria) of California, Evaria Lee Butler of Las Vegas, Felicia Butler of Washington, NC, Theresa Lynn Butler (Johnny) of Durham, NC, Cynthia Manning of Greenville, NC; grandmother, Addie Mae Butler of Williamston, NC; devoted cousin, Charlotte Andrews (Jack) of Williamston, NC; devoted friends, William and Mary Brown of Greenville, NC, Bishop Claudie and Delores Wilkins of Robersonville, NC, Johnny Ward of Stokes, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Brenda Hudgins Ridley

November 30, 1959 - September 12, 2015