Brenda Joyce Compton Safrit

Brenda Joyce Compton Safrit of Kannapolis, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on February 14, 2026. Born on January 4, 1944, in Kannapolis, she was the daughter of the late J. Robert Compton and Carrie Lee Weaver Compton.

Brenda’s life was deeply rooted in faith, family, and the community she loved. She had a gentle spirit and a caring heart, always ready to listen, encourage, or simply sit beside someone who needed company. She had a way of making people feel known and remembered — whether family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had only just met. She accepted people as they were and made them feel they belonged.

She graduated from A.L. Brown High School, Class of 1962, and later attended Southeastern Beauty College in Charlotte. Doing hair was never just a job for Brenda — it was a ministry of connection. Working alongside her dear friend Juanita Rimmer at Juanita’s Beauty Shop, later serving residents at Caremoor Retirement Community, and visiting people in their homes, she built meaningful relationships wherever she went. In her later years especially, she continued fixing hair for many at little or no cost because helping others mattered far more to her than payment ever could.

Brenda was a faithful servant. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels for more than ten years, always making time for others even when life became harder for her. She stayed active in church life by playing the organ, singing in the choir, and baking her well-loved oatmeal cookies and world famous spaghetti whenever they were needed. She was happiest when she felt useful to someone else. Gentle in her words yet strong in her love, she was fiercely protective of her family.

Franklin Heights Baptist Church was the church where Brenda grew up and later raised her own children, remaining close to her heart throughout her life. In recent years she attended Bethany Baptist Church in Kannapolis, where she formed new friendships and continued growing in her faith.

Those closest to her often felt she understood more than she let on. Even during difficult seasons, she carried quiet resilience and a steady trust in God. She spoke honestly about her life and struggles, reminding others they were never alone in theirs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Gail Compton.

She is survived by her brother, Dennis Compton (Susan); her sister, Debbie Compton Terry (Ronnie); her daughters, Mitzi and Lori; her son, Chris (Torri); her grandchildren, Amber, Deidra, Chase, AJ, and Jordyn; her great-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Kiya, Dominic, and Camdyn; her god-grandchildren, Patrick and Lola; as well as five nieces, one nephew, two grand-nephews, five grand-nieces, two great-nieces, and one great-nephew. She also welcomed many others into her life as her own and was lovingly known as “Mamaw B” to countless children and friends, whether related by blood or by love. Her legacy of caring for others lives on through the family she nurtured and the people she embraced.

A visitation will be held at Franklin Heights Baptist Church in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on Friday, February 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. A light meal will be provided in the Franklin Heights fellowship hall following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Monarch, an organization that provides hope, promotes wellness, and empowers individuals and families impacted by mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. Brenda’s daughter Lori currently lives in a group home supported by Monarch. Please note Lafayette Group Home on the contribution. Also indicate the donation is in memory of Brenda C. Safrit. Monarch, Attn. Philanthropy Department, 350 Pee Dee Avenue, Suite 101, Albemarle NC, 28001 or online at MonarchNC.org/donate.

The family finds comfort knowing that Brenda is now at peace — welcomed home, restored, and held in the presence of the Lord she trusted throughout her life.