On January 15^th of this year Tyrrell County experienced a loss of one their homegrown citizens. Brenda Mixon returned home after traveling around the world with me as an army officer’s wife. We decided to settle in Tyrrell County because of the opportunities that were presented and of the needs of her aging and ailing mother. After Brenda’s funeral service I was overwhelmed trying to express my appreciation for all the expressions of sympathy. It became obvious that she will be missed by not only me. Hopefully the Reminder will help me to say thank you with this letter to the editor. Because Brenda truly left her mark in the county.

When we moved here, Tyrrell County Prison Work Farm opened, and the Partnership for the Sounds was introduced to the county.   We both got hired and became Tyrrellineans. We introduced ourselves to the county by participating in the International Host Exchange Program sponsored by our 4H. We enjoyed our first summer here exploring the county and state with a student from Japan. At the same time, we were sending a daughter to North Carolina Central University.

The Partnership for the Sounds presented us with a wealth of information and Brenda enjoyed working as the technology coordinator.   While I wondered when the work farm was going to start farming. I will tell you about that some other time. As the years went by Brenda involved herself in so many of the county’s activities that I lost count. The Partnership proved to be the catalyst because her job was to link the surrounding counties. Listed below are some of Brenda’s acclaims:

• Curator for the Columbia Theater/museum/gift shop
• MC for the Partnership’s Black History Programs
• Chamber of Commerce member
• Elections official
• Salem Missionary Baptist Church; Finance Officer/Quire member soloist/ Youth Bible School teacher
• Girl Scouts leader
• Licensed Foster Care Parent
• Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County member/secretary
• Voices of our Community School Reunion member/secretary
• Gave over 20 acres of land to build the 4 lane Hwy 64 to Columbia
• Cheerleader Tyrrell High School & For a 4, year three sport athlete son at Columbia High School

Need I say more? Imagine all the lives that Brenda touched through the years. I would also like to mention that February is cancer awareness month. Brenda experienced cancer and it took her life. There are many others facing that fight and they all need your support and prayers too.  Thank you all for your expressions of sympathy and know that Brenda is at peace now because she left her mark.

Sincerely,

Mark Mixon