Brenda Hedgpeth Williamson, 82, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away in her home on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Brenda was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on February 5, 1943. She attended school in Lake Forest, North Carolina, and at Warwick High School upon moving to Newport News, Virginia, in 1952.
After working for many years as a sales associate at J.C. Penney’s in Hampton, Virginia, Brenda retired from the company. Brenda was a devoted grandmother who adored her family. She made sure that her grandchildren had everything they needed from the moment they were born, frequently making the long trip to visit them and bring them gifts. Aside from her deep affection for children, Brenda genuinely cared for animals, particularly her beloved grand pup and faithful companion, Amore.
Brenda was preceded in death by her dear daughter, Michele (Kathy), and her parents, Reba and Edith Hedgpeth. She is survived by her daughter and devoted caregiver, Kimberly Williamson; her eldest daughter, Cathy Solomon of Thomasville, North Carolina; two sisters, Peggy Hedgpeth and Tammy Zwiefelhofer (Doug) of Williamsburg, Virginia; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service honoring Brenda’s life will be held at a later date. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to The Wes Strong Foundation to support pediatric cancer awareness and research (https://wesstrong.org/) or the Capital Area Rescue Effort, Inc., dog rescue shelter (https://www.carerva.com/).
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
