- Date Of Birth: November 5, 1951
- Date Of Death: March 22, 2023
- State: North Carolina
Brenda “G’Ma” Naylor Prince, 71, died peacefully on March 22, 2023 encircled by family. She courageously battled glioblastoma for two years, with a trust in her Savior that pointed to Him at every opportunity. She spent her last days surrounded by her children, grandchildren, sisters, “Raleigh sisters” and other friends, her pastors, and a devoted group of angel caregivers.
Brenda was born Brenda “Gail” Naylor in Sampson County on November 5, 1951 to loving parents Ashley Ralph and Eloise Upchurch Naylor, predeceased. She was the oldest of five girls, one of whom also preceded her in death. The family lived on a farm where Brenda Gail drove a tractor even when she was so small that she had to stand with two feet on the clutch to change gears. She was fondly referred to as the first of her daddy’s sons and did not know a day without hard work. Brenda graduated top of her class from Midway High School in 1970 where she played basketball and drove a school bus. It was there that she met James Sherrod Warwick, who she was married to for 24 years and with whom she shares two children, Ashley and Terra.
After graduation, Brenda received her degree in Radiologic Science from Duke University and continued her career at FAHEC, Wake Med and Duke University Hospitals.
On October 6, 2006, Brenda married longtime friend, John Robinson Prince, Jr., who she called “her Prince.” They laughed, loved, and served each other well until his death in 2008. Through this marriage Brenda gained a second daughter, Mary, and granddaughter Tori, both of whom remained extremely close to Brenda. This marriage also converted a lifelong Tar Heel into a Wolfpack for the last 17 years of her life. Wolfpack sports produced both joy and frustration, leading her to call the basketball office last year and tell them they needed to recruit more than just guards.
Brenda never complained or questioned God about her disease but expressed awe over how many people were praying for her and confidence that the Lord was at work. She ended her time on earth as she lived it, trusting Jesus and looking forward to being made whole through His grace. As she took her last breath, in the background lyrics played “All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh the joy of full salvation, Glory, glory to his name. I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Thee My blessed Savior, I surrender all.”
Brenda is survived by her children, Mary Weems, Ashley Warwick (wife Heather), and Terra Sosa (husband Juan), all of Raleigh, and six loving grandchildren – Tori, Cooper, Anna Shearin, John, Cruz, and Clara. She is also survived by three sisters, Dale Tart, Joy Jernigan, and Hope Naylor and their families, her devoted “Raleigh sisters” and numerous other friends and family.
