Obituary

Rocky Mount – Brenda Faye Best Hollowell, age 80, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Born in Wayne County, NC on December 31, 1944, she was the daughter of the late William Theophilus “Offie” Best and Carrie Lee Best. She was also preceded in death by her husband, George Edward Hollowell; her sister, Geraldine Hortense Best Benson; and her brothers, Seth Walter Best and William Nelson Best.

A lifelong educator with Nash County School System, Brenda retired after 30 years as a math teacher from Northern Nash Senior High. An amazing and talented mathematician, she dedicated her life to teaching others the importance of mastering numbers. Prior to becoming a math teacher, Brenda earned her Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University, graduating with honors in 1967. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing basketball, which she did during both her high school and college years. Later in life, Brenda was an outdoors enthusiast, loved flowers, and enjoyed traveling and exploring new places with family and friends. A loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, partner, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, Brenda will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Brenda is survived by her sons, Brian Edward Hollowell and Christopher Michael “Chris” Hollowell (Lisa); her grandchildren Kent Hollowell, Kara Hollowell Beck (William), Melissa Pittman, Taylor Hollowell, and Roland Hollowell; her partner, Haywood Eugene Hollowell; her brothers, Josephus “Joe” Best (Jessie) and Gordon Lee Best (Arlene); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Brenda’s life will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Charles Taylor officiating. A Private Family Burial will be held at a later date at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.