Brenda Lockman Hutcherson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2025, in Henderson County, North Carolina, after five years of declining health due to dementia/Alzheimer’s. She was 80 years old.
Born on November 20, 1944, in Iredell County, NC, Brenda was the cherished daughter of Edith Lackey Lockman and Ned Eugene Lockman. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Peggy Sprinkle, and her brother Ned Lockman, all of Iredell County.
A woman of grace, beauty, and strength, Brenda lived a life filled with kindness, generosity, and love. She graduated as salutatorian from Cool Springs High School in 1963 and went on to earn her degree with honors from Mitchell College in 1965. Brenda’s early adult years were marked by deep love and heartbreak. She married Ardrey Barringer, USMC, in 1967; he was tragically killed in combat during the Vietnam War. In 1969, she was blessed to find love again, marrying Henry Stephen (Steve) Hutcherson, her devoted and loving husband of over 55 years.
Brenda’s life was a testament to faith and service. A devoted Christian, she found great joy in her Lord Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock, NC, where for years she delighted in arranging flowers with the altar guild. She was a compassionate soul, always lending her hand or purse to anyone in need. Her generosity of spirit extended to her work as a dedicated member of PEO for over thirty years, helping young women pursue higher education. In addition, she spent countless hours of service on the board of Historic Flat Rock, a place she dearly loved living. She actively participated in school PTO’s during her childrens’ lives and continued her legacy of service working in many other volunteer organizations throughout her life, including the NC Apple Festival which she loved attending with her grandchildren.
Brenda’s love of life was evident in all she did. She was a talented artist, sharing her gifts through hand-painted Christmas ornaments and beautiful landscapes. She loved dancing—especially the “shag” to beach music—watching her daughter and granddaughters dance, traveling the world, and spending time at the Carolina coast. Her adventures took her across the U.S. and to countries around the globe, from cafes in Paris to camel ranches in the Negev Desert to the Inca Trail of Machu Picchu, which she hiked at age 61.
An accomplished athlete, businesswoman, and designer, Brenda excelled in golf, tennis, water and snow skiing and loved cheerleading in High School. She managed the family business with wisdom and grace and loved hosting family and friends at gatherings and parties held in the beautiful home she designed herself. Above all, she was a loving and compassionate presence in the lives of her family and friends, adored not only by her children and grandchildren but by all who knew her.
Brenda is survived by her beloved husband, Steve Hutcherson; her daughter, Stephanie Hutcherson Orr (Steve) of Hendersonville, NC; her son, Matthew Hutcherson (Ann) of San Salvador, El Salvador; and her treasured granddaughters, Brenna Kathryn Orr, Sarah Wainwright Orr, and Margaret Rose Hutcherson.
Her family rejoices in the knowledge that Brenda is now at peace in the presence of her Savior. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her beautiful spirit, steadfast faith, and boundless love.
Condolences may be sent to the Hutcherson family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.