Brenda Lorraine Adams Dobbins was born in Surry County on April 20, 1949 and grew up in Roaring River. She entered Lincoln Heights School in 1955 and graduated in June 1966. Brenda always loved school and had a strong desire to teach with two of her high school teachers having a huge influence on her: Mrs. Nellie Harris and Dr. Alexander Erwin. In September 1966 she entered North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College to pursue a degree in Business Education. She completed her student teaching at East Wilkes High School.
Wilkes County Schools began a new program of Differential Staffing and Individualized Instruction in 1971, Brenda obtained a position at East Wilkes High School as a Technical Assistant. During the spring of 1972 she signed her first teaching contract and felt she had “died and gone to heaven.”

For the next 28 years she called East Wilkes home, teaching Typewriting I and II, Accounting I and II, Money Management, Personal Finance and Taxes, and Office Procedures, she began teaching Introduction to Computer and Computer Applications in 1986. She attended Appalachian State University during the summers of 1982 through 1986 in order to gain Vocational Certification afterwards enrolled at University of North Carolina at Greensboro to pursue her Masters of Science degree in Business Education and received computer certification. She attended Purdue University for the 1993 Shelly Cashman Summer Institute on Windows and Windows Applications. She sponsored both Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders, co-sponsored Future Business Leaders of America organization, and was either an advisor to the Junior Class (Junior/Senior Prom) or Senior Class (Graduation). She prepared a detailed Athletic program for the Coaches and Athletes for 30 years, served on the Disciplinary Committee, Southern Association Accreditation Committees, ASU/Public School Partnership Committee, and Staff Development Committee. Brenda was a delegate with the People-to-People Citizen Ambassador program to China in 1996.

Brenda is a member of Poplar Spring Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as the Financial Secretary, Teen Sunday School teacher, Program Chairperson, and second vice president of the missionary circle. For a number of years, she was the Youth Supervisor responsible for Vacation Bible School and other youth activities. She is at present treasurer of Yadkin Valley Baptist Training Union, First Vice President of the Wilkes County Missionary Union where she has served as president for four years and Special Worker for approximately 12 years. Other community activities where Brenda is involved include: Serving as Vice Chairperson for the Lincoln Heights Recreation Corporation, Wilkes County Retired School Personnel Treasurer, Wilkes County Library Board, Appalachian Regional Library Board, Wilkes Genealogical Society, and Clingman Medical Center Board Secretary. After retirement she was chief judge for the New Castle Election Precinct and later joined the Wilkes County Board of Elections as secretary for a number of years. Brenda also volunteered with the Wilkes Museum Board and was a 4-H volunteer. She is a lifetime member of the National Education Association, a member of NCAE and NCRSP. For several summers she worked at Wilkes Central High School with the county students in a Career Camp.

The mission of the Wilkes County Hall of Fame is to promote and honor the excellence of the people of Wilkes County in order to encourage and inspire the youth, and all citizens of Wilkes, to strive for similar excellence in life's endeavors. The more nominees there are, the better the Wilkes County Hall of Fame can represent the diversity and talents of our community. The continued success of the Wilkes County Hall of Fame lies within the community nominating great individuals who have positively changed, or brought positive recognition to Wilkes County.

The Wilkes County Hall of Fame is currently accepting sponsorship for the tenth annual Gala until April 12, 2024. For additional information contact Morgan Mathis at: 336-651-7018 or by email at: mathismo@wilkes.k12.nc.us The Wilkes County Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non- profit (Federal Identification # 46-5541867).

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