Brenda Fitch Page, beloved wife of Morris Page, died peacefully Tuesday, January 29, at home after a yearlong battle with cancer. Brenda was born July 29, 1941, the daughter of Boyce Fitch and Nida Hord Fitch. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Jessica Farron Page and granddaughter, Madden Olivia Page (Maddie). Also surviving are her brothers, Ken Fitch of Shelby and Thomas Fitch (Charlene) of Shelby, a sister-in-law Joann Fitch of Indian Trail, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by her brothers, Joe Fitch and Coleman Fitch, as well as an infant brother, Dale Fitch.

Upon graduation in the spring of 1959 from Shelby High School, Brenda immediately began working for The First National Bank of Shelby. During a long and illustrious career Brenda rose from an entry level position to become executive vice president of the bank. To enhance her knowledge of banking she attended the North Carolina Banker's School at the University of North Carolina. Her career spanned a period of over fifty-two years, during which she filled numerous roles for the bank. Her most indelible impression may have been left on the bank and the Cleveland County community by her leadership of the marketing department of First National

In 1997, a dream of Brenda's came true when she led the creation of Santa House on the court square, now the Earl Scruggs Center, in downtown Shelby. Santa House still is available each Christmas for the children of families of Cleveland County and the surrounding area to visit with Santa Claus.

Following the success of Santa House, Brenda, in 1998, led the creation of Santa's Toyland. Toyland was held on the court square and became a Christmas destination for families throughout the area, enabling them to have an interactive and joyous experience each Christmas.

Brenda's devotion to First National was matched by her commitment to service to her community. Among her many civic activities was membership in the Kings Mountain Rotary Club. While serving Rotary, she rose to president of the Kings Mountain club and was selected as Rotarian of the year as well as being chosen as a Paul Harris Fellow. She also was elected as Assistant Governor of the Rotary District.

Her civic involvement was demonstrated by the many awards and honors she received throughout her career. Among those awards was the State of North Carolina Certificate of Appreciation from Governor James Martin for her volunteerism.

Brenda served on the Board of Directors of the Life Enrichment Center as well as president of the Shelby Woman's Business and Professional Club. She was honored with the Distinguished Woman Award from the Cleveland County Commission for Women, the Bridge Builder Award from the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, and the Life Achievement Award from the Foothills Merry-Go-Round Festival. She also received the Shelby Lions Club Citizen of the Year award and the Dale Carnegie Human Relations Award.

Shelby High School, and especially the class of 1959, held a unique place in Brenda's heart, reflecting the Most School Spirit award she received from her class. She devoted many hours to helping organize and plan reunions for the class. These reunions, like almost everything she involved herself in, where done with the utmost attention and devotion to ensuring that they be the best event possible.

During her career, whether in banking or in civic involvement, Brenda demonstrated through an indomitable spirit and a can-do attitude a unique ability to accomplish whatever task she undertook. She was able to face a challenge and see it as an opportunity.

From childhood on the guiding principles of Brenda's life were the result of her deep devotion to her Christian faith. She was actively involved in church related work throughout her life and was most recently a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, where a memorial service will be held Saturday, February 2 at 3:00P.M.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday evening, February 1, from 6:00P.M to 7:30P.M. at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the Page home: 1405 Jeannie Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial be made to Hospice of Cleveland County: 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or the charity of the donor's choice.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Page.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.