Brenda Carol Hunt Storms

Brenda Carol Hunt Storms, 66, of Bladenboro, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026. She was born on July 29, 1959, to the late William V. Hunt "Bo" and Penny Mae Oxendine Hunt in Sampson County and was a lifelong resident of North Carolina. She graduated Pembroke Senior High School and Pembroke State University, now UNC-Pembroke. A true educator at heart, she held teaching positions in Scotland, Pitt, Sampson, Robeson and Bladen County. Brenda’s passion for education extended beyond the classroom. Whether it was giving voice lessons, preparing Beta’s for the convention, tutoring after retirement, mentoring young pageant contestants or holding “Grammy’s Summer School” for her grandchildren, she unselfishly took the opportunity to help others better themselves. Mrs. Storms, Mama Storms or Mama B as her students called her, was a constant encourager and cheerleader for them in the educational system. She invested her whole self and eagerly poured into the lives of countless students over the years.

As a faithful member of Bladenboro First Baptist Church, Brenda willingly served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, and choir member. She held positions on numerous church committees and represented the church on several mission trips to Belize and Savannah, Georgia. But as we know, Brenda’s heart was created to sing praises to her Lord and Savior. Her angelic voice echoed through endless venues to uplift and encourage all that attended. From funerals, weddings, festivals, conventions, and churches to dance recitals and pageants, Brenda never turned down the opportunity to share her talent and her testimony. However, her biggest blessing came from her ability to lessen herself and make much of Jesus!

Brenda’s radiant beauty was recognized in her teen years and she held numerous titles including Miss Spanish, Miss Pembroke Junior High and Miss Pembroke State. Of most significance and perhaps most impactful, Brenda proudly represented her heritage and held the title of Miss Lumbee 1977. She continued to faithfully serve her community in many roles but in recent years served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Little Miss/Junior Miss Lumbee pageants. Brenda gracefully moderated the event, encouraged contestants, and playfully entertained the crowd.

In 2015, Brenda was nominated and received the highest civilian honor given by the state of North Carolina, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award.

Brenda was most passionate about her relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ and never failed to share it with everyone she encountered. You never doubted how she felt and ended every conversation emphatically with, “Love you!” Her family was her pride and joy and especially her beautiful grandchildren. She loved to celebrate all special occasions with family, friends, food and fellowship, with much laughter sprinkled in.

The void she leaves in all who knew her will never be filled. Rest assured, Brenda is now singing and praising her Lord. Her greatest desire is that you would meet her in Heaven and to “look for her at Jesus’ feet.”

Brenda leaves behind her devoted husband, Ray Storms, of the home; her sons: Seth Storms (Vanecia) of Fayetteville and Trey Storms, of the home; her daughter, Madison Storms Horton (Channing) of Bladenboro; grandchildren: Braylen Storms and Ryleigh Storms; bonus daughter and family: Summer, Forrest, Salem and Stryker Lennon. She is also survived by her sisters: Shirley Locklear (David) of Pembroke and Ophelia Stricklin (Ron) of Rowland: as well as a host of family and friends who will remember her fondly. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Margaret Woods, Sarah Chavis, and William "Dock" Hunt.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 12th from 6-8pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will take place at 3:30pm on Friday, March 13th at Bladenboro First Baptist Church, followed by a burial in the Pine Crest Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past week.