Brenda Helton Winkler

Brenda Darnell Helton Winkler, 63, of Lenoir, gained her angel wings on Friday January 30, 2026 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory following a brief illness.

Brenda was born on October 10, 1962 in Caldwell County, to the late Clyde Vernon Helton and Betty Jean Coffey Helton Lindsay. Brenda dedicated many years of her life to the furniture industry where she was a master sprayer, but above all she cherished her family and friends. Her heart also belonged to her beloved animals; Booger, Sarge, Momma Cat, Sage, Bailey, and Shady Grady, each “fur baby” was a cherished member of her family. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her pets, as she was a “mama” to everyone she met, offering warmth, guidance and unconditional love to all who crossed her path.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 48 years, Homer Lynn Winkler of the home; her daughter, Tequila “Keila” Keller and husband Kevin of Lenoir; her grandchildren, Zerden Lee Keller and wife Bella of Lenoir; her sisters, Donna Pritchard and husband Ricky of Hudson and Lynne Helton of Lenoir; also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews whom she loved.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Shelia West; her grandsons, Junior Keller and Luke Alan Keller; and a great-granddaughter, Esther Christine Keller.

The family will receive friends on Saturday February 7, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. at Clearview Baptist Church, 2455 Alfred Hartley Rd. Lenoir, NC 28645.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:30 P.M. Saturday, immediately following the visitation at Clearview Baptist Church in Lenoir, with Pastor Geoff Day and Zerden Keller officiating.

Flowers are accepted and appreciated, and may be delivered to the funeral home.

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

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Grantie Falls is serving the Winkler family.