Brenda Kay Ayers Speller
December 15, 1942 – March 24, 2026
Brenda Kay Ayers Speller, 83, of Zebulon, NC, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at home.
Brenda was born on December 15, 1942, in Martin County, NC, a daughter of the late Horace Murdock Ayers and Grace Rogers Ayers. After graduating from Robersonville High School in Robersonville, NC and East Carolina College she began her career as a public school teacher. Brenda enjoyed her many years of teaching at Zebulon High School and Zebulon Middle School. Her love for teaching showed in the care she had for her students. Brenda enjoyed life whether it was spending time with family, traveling, dancing, listening to beach music, playing bridge and other card games, enjoying a good glass of wine, or getting into mischief with friends. Time spent with the people she loved was where Brenda found her greatest joy. She was a member of Zebulon Baptist Church.
She was married to her high school sweetheart Julian Thomas Speller, Jr., for over sixty years.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Loucretia Stanton (George) of Bristow, Va and Shannon Speller of Zebulon, NC; three grandchildren, Joseph Stanton, Allison Stanton, and Natalie Stanton; a sister, Frankie Harris (Ray) of Stella, NC and a brother, Dock Ayers (Jenny) of Lake Gaston; nieces, Jenna Doyle(Robert) of Greenville NC and Frannie Ayers of Greenville NC and nephew, Al Harris(Lori) of Wilmington, NC; several great nieces and nephews and her faithful fur companion Sadie.
The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Transitions LifeCare for its exceptional care and dedication. Heather Morales and Bernadette Erwin with Transitions will always hold a special place in the hearts of Brenda’s family. The family would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary care and compassion shown by Irish Jones, who was truly a God-sent blessing during a time when it was needed most. Her gentle presence, unwavering dedication, and genuine love brought comfort, dignity, and peace.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Zebulon Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Glasgow officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the church Fellowship Hall. Interment will follow the service in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC. www.stricklandfuneral.com
11 Comments
May each of you feel God’s comfort and peace during this time
Praying the God of all comfort to shower it upon you during this time
Holding you close to our hearts as you navigate this loss. Condolences 💚
Love you, Beth, Nathaniel, and. Kami Kinney
I’m praying for comfort at your time of need.
Shannon and family. I’m very sorry to hear about your mom. May God give you strength, peace and comfort that only He can give. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Sharon 🙏🏻❤️
So sorry for your loss. She was a special teacher and
Lady sending prayers and love 🙏❤️
I and my family had know this wonderful crazy loving lady since my childhood. Many trips, fun and watching the card sharks. Then later having her as a teacher. In which it made me see her in a different light. This made her even more special. When I got married she was there. When we saw out Dad and Mom get remarried she was there. Even in the beginning of her illness she was there when my Daddy got sick. Her and her family have always been DEAR friends. Love you much Mrs Brenda.Glory to God for your home going. Prayer’s and comfort to your hearts family. Love and big hugs Mr. Thomas. Prayer’s for the days ahead. I know she was your whole being. Love you all. May God bless y’all with peace.
I am sorry for your loss. My prayer is for peace and strength in the days to come.
Shannon and Thomas, I was sad to hear about Brenda. My prayers continue to be with you and your family. I am sure that God is watching over you and will give you strength and courage in the following days but mostly that He will give you His peace.
Shannon my condolences in the passing of your mother. I remember Mrs Wallace speaking of her often and always with fondness.
Prayers for you and your family in the coming days for peace and comfort.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers you find comfort in your memories and knowing she is at peace
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