Brenda Leonard Pickel

Brenda Gayle Leonard Pickel, a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and retired schoolteacher, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Asheboro on October 24. She was 84 years old.

Born in Lexington, she moved to Asheboro in her youth and graduated from Asheboro High School. She went on to graduate from Catawba College where she met her husband, Ray Wagner Pickel II, who passed away in 1994.

Brenda was smart, generous, joyful and loyal. She had an infectious laugh that could light up a room. She was an avid bridge player, a world traveler, and a keen follower of state, local and national politics.

A special education teacher, Brenda taught school in North Carolina for 32 years - 26 of them at Lindley Park Elementary. Her love for teaching helped change the lives of so many children.

Brenda's husband, Ray, was also a schoolteacher. They were an engaging couple who loved boating in and around the southern Outer Banks; discussing current events; and entertaining with their many friends. They were well known for their Christmas Eve party - always a highlight of the holiday season.

After Ray passed away, Brenda continued her travels with three close friends - Lillian Jordan, Wanda Smith, and Marlene Wooten. Together these four women traveled to Italy, France, and England, along with many US cities including New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco.

Brenda is survived by one son, Ray Wagner "Trip" Pickel III and one grandson, Cameron Ray Pickel. Other survivors include her sister-in-law Diane Linnamen; her niece, Melissa Linnamen Grubb and their children; her niece Amanda Kennedy and her husband Michael and their children; and cousins Bubber Greg Callahan, Ellen Callahan, Craig and Maria Callahan and Craig and Sherry Brannon. As well as her loving “Sisters”, Lillian Jordan, Wanda Smith, Linda Tinkler, Joyce Teague and Marlene Wooten.

Brenda was a member of the First Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ in Asheboro.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr, High Point, NC 27262, or the Asheboro Library, 201 Worth St, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 31st at Pugh Funeral Home. The viewing service will be from 2:00PM – 3:45PM, followed by a short memorial service at 4:00PM in the Glenn "Mac" Pugh Chapel at Pugh Funeral Home of Asheboro. Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pickel family.