Brenda Collier Poe

Brenda Collier Poe, 79, of Granite Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Amorem Forlines Patient Care Facility in Hudson, surrounded by her family.

Brenda was born on September 19, 1947, to the late Harvey Lee Collier and Grace Dudley Collier. Brenda grew up in Kinston, NC, and attended East Carolina University. She moved to Hickory in 1971, where she met her husband Nick, whom she married in March 1972.

Brenda made a beautiful life in Granite Falls, where she was known as a gifted seamstress. She joined the Town of Granite Falls in 1980 and built a career as a tax collector and finance officer. She was active in ElectriCities and served many years as a board member of South Caldwell Ministries. In 2004 she was named Granite Falls Woman of the Year.

Faith was at the heart of Brenda’s life. She was a charter member of Christ United Lutheran Church, where she served on the council and as treasurer. She also spent many years leading the youth group at Philadelphia Lutheran Church and teaching Sunday School.

Quilting became one of Brenda’s joys. In retirement she and Nick traveled to more than 40 states, and wherever they went, she gathered fabric for her next quilt. Each quilt was a gift of love for the people she cherished. Above all, Brenda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to so many.

In addition to her parents, Brenda is preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth Hill and her brothers H.L. Collier and Alvin Collier.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Nick Poe; her son Drew Poe; her daughter Amy Witherspoon and husband Brandon; her grandchildren Bowman “Bo” Witherspoon and Aubrey Grace Witherspoon; her brothers-in-law David Poe and Gifford Poe (Peggy); her nieces Donna Barnack (Mike) and Cheryl Onidi; her nephews Chris Hill (Jan), Chip Poe (Angelia), Michael Poe (Liza), and Dusty Poe; and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews whom she cared for deeply. She also leaves Kelly Testerman, her caregiver, whom she loved dearly and who became family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Mackie Funeral Service in Granite Falls. A memorial service to celebrate Brenda's life will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 11 AM at Christ United Lutheran Church, 4681 Grace Chapel Road, Granite Falls with the Rev. Gary Coble and the Rev. Ric Smith officiating. 

Inurnment will follow the service at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 4948 Burns Road, Granite Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Lutheran Church or South Caldwell Christian Ministries, 5 Quarry Road, Granite Falls.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com. 

Mackie Funeral Service and Cremations is serving the Poe family