September 14, 2025, 81, Goldsboro —
Brenda Cooke Johnstone, age 81, passed away Sunday morning at UNC-Wayne Healthcare. Brenda was the fifth of six children born to Fred and Lou Wilda Cooke on May 20, 1944, in Wayne County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, James Cooke, Auburn Cooke, Carolyn Peacock, and Joyce Starling.
Brenda graduated from Goldsboro High School and Hank Hanna Beauty College. She worked in various capacities to help support the family including running a beauty shop out of the home, caring for patients at O’Berry Center, lending her culinary talents at the neighborhood grill, and selling pretty accents in retail.
Brenda met a young airman, Donald Joseph Johnstone, whom she married on June 29, 1963. The two raised three children: Charise Johnstone Buck, Donald Anthony Johnstone, and Robin Kristen Johnstone. Brenda’s son-in-law, Leslie Buck, passed away earlier this year from long-standing medical issues.
Through the years, Brenda had several interests. She made many Artex items and became skilled at ceramics. Brenda made several craft items to share with family members including Christmas trees, tablecloths, and lamps. She participated in a bowling league and played first basewoman on the Highway Grill softball team. She was a good cook and was best known for her chocolate cake, which was enjoyed at many family gatherings. Her in-laws requested her fried chicken with each visit. One of her favorite things to eat was seafood, which paired well with her love of beach music and the “shag” style of dancing made popular around Myrtle Beach, where she and Don honeymooned. Her evenings started with the TV show Wheel of Fortune. Brenda’s favorite actresses were Natalie Wood and Elizabeth Taylor. She enjoyed slapstick comedies like the Chevy Chase Fletch movies and more serious Hitchcock films. A movie that she referenced often was Butterfield 8. Like many women of her day, she loved Elvis and saw him in concert. She and Don enjoyed Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons and were regulars at the Center Street Jams. She had a strong affection for her ‘66 Caliente Comet that she purchased from her father.
Above all, Brenda loved her family.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 12:00pm in the Chapel of Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with Rev. Seth Jones officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the chapel.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Donald Joseph Johnstone; son, Donald Anthony Johnstone; daughters, Charise Johnstone Buck and Robin Kristen Johnstone; and sister, Louwanna Pender.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is proud to be serving the Johnstone family and online condolences may be sent to www.shumate-faulk.com
