Brenda was born on March 13th, 1952 in Franklin County to Jason and Margarine Ward. She grew up in Raleigh with her parents and siblings, Trudy Ward Hales and Thomas Jason Ward. Brenda married the love of her life, John Dabinett, in 1992, and they raised their daughter, Heather Clifton, in Cary, NC.
Brenda retired from Carolina Power and Light to join John in building their playground business, Pineland. After providing creative playground designs for numerous local children, Brenda took on another challenge and entered the world of administration and billing for child care and pediatric therapy at Carolina Child Development Center, Carolina Children’s Therapy, and as a self-employed rehab billing consultant. When she wasn’t rocking babies (many of whom are now in college and beyond), she was establishing herself as “the lady with the answers” in the local therapy world when it came to billing and procedures. She touched so many lives, and many families enjoyed bringing their children to therapy just so they could joke and chat with Mrs. Brenda.
Although her activity was restricted by health conditions, Brenda got great pleasure from “helping” (otherwise known as “directing”) John on how to carry out her vision when it came to renovating their home and landscaping their yard. Many cars stopped to look at their fabulous Christmas decorations and to remark on their beautiful home improvements.
Brenda loved her family, and family to her was not limited by traditional definitions. If she loved you, you were her family, and she was loyal and protective. You could always count on Brenda to “tell it like it is” followed by telling you how much she loved you. We will miss her dearly, and we ask you to honor Brenda’s memory by telling someone how much you love them today.
Brenda is survived by her husband, John Dabinett, daughter, Heather Clifton, sister, Trudy Hales (Ray), brother, Thomas Ward, and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a brief visitation with the family on Saturday, November 7th from 1:00-2:00 at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC, followed by a small private service for the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Triangle Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.LLS.org
