Brenda (Aldridge) Sharpe Farr

Brenda Aldridge Sharpe Farr, 79, passed peacefully on January 7, 2026, at UT Medical Center after a brief illness.  While our hearts are broken, we take comfort knowing she is now home with the Lord she gave her life to as a little girl.

     Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Winona Aldridge; the father of her child, James Ross Sharpe; her husband, Verlie Farr; and her sister, Linda Aldridge Ditmore, all of whom she loved dearly and missed greatly.

     Above all else, Brenda was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her beloved son, “Eddie” James Edwin Sharpe (Meredith), and the relationship between her and Meredith was more of a mother/daughter bond than that of an in-law.  She is also survived by her precious grandson, Caiden James Sharpe, who was the light of her life and her greatest joy; her nephews, Billy and Bobby Ditmore; her dear friend Margaret Lynnes; and her very special friend and confidant, Laura Duckett Waldroup, whose friendship was a true gift in Brenda’s life.

     Brenda was born in Graham County, North Carolina, and though life carried her many places, home and family were always close to her heart.  As a young girl at Bible school in Seattle, Washington, she accepted Christ, a decision that quietly shaped the way she lived, marked by kindness, humility, and love for others.  Brenda had a servant’s heart, and her faith remained central throughout her life.  She shared it faithfully by teaching Sunday school for many years at New Hope Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, touching countless young lives through her gentle guidance and love for the Lord.

     Brenda was remarkably intelligent and hardworking, graduating from Robbinsville High School in 1964. She never sought attention for her accomplishments, yet she took pride in doing her very best in all that she undertook. She began her career in Seattle at JCPenney before returning home to Graham County, where she spent many years working for the USDA before retiring.  

     After retirement, she found what she often said was the calling she had missed — teaching. As a substitute teacher for Graham County Schools, Brenda found joy, purpose, and connection. She loved the children deeply, and many of them loved her right back.  The relationships she formed with students from elementary through high school meant more to her than words could express.

     Brenda treasured people. She loved deeply, listened carefully, and never forgot those who mattered to her. She had many friends—each one special—and she carried them all in her heart. Her love, faith, and quiet strength will continue to live on through the lives she touched.

     She will be missed beyond measure and loved forever.

     In keeping with my mom’s wishes, there will be no services. She wanted her life to be her service. I would like to thank everyone for the love, thoughts, prayers, and support shown to our family during this time.