Members of the Selma Town Council paused during their monthly meeting on Tuesday to remember former town clerk Brenda Thorne who died unexpectedly at her home on July 6th.
“Brenda was the heart of the Town of Selma,” Town Manager Elton Daniels told the audience and members of her family who attended the meeting. “She will be remembered for her bright smile and laughter.”
Brenda began work with the Town of Selma as an administrative assistant in July 2001. She was later promoted to deputy town clerk and in 2016 was named the town clerk.
Deputy Town Clerk Jamie Whitley attempted to read the inscription on a plaque the Town had made for Brenda’s family but could not finish because she became too emotional. Daniels finished reading the inscription as his voice also cracked with emotion.
Brenda’s family also learned Town of Selma employees took up donations to pay for a tree that will be planted in her honor. A brick was also purchased by town staff in her memory at the new Selma Civic Center. Her family was also given $400 in cash collected from her co-workers to help with needs.
Brenda was just 55. She was preceded in death by her husband, Royce Kent Thorne and an infant son, Wesley Allen Thorne. She is survived by her parents, her son, Jonathan Kent Thorne, and daughter, Morgan Ashley Thorne.
Memorial contributions can still be made in her memory to Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, 8980 Old Beulah Road, Kenly, NC 27542.
