Ms. Brenda JoAnn Burroughs McCormick of Greensboro NC, age 72 passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. She was born November 27, 1951, in Durham, NC to the late James Leslie Burroughs, Sr. and the late Josephine McDowell Robinson. She was the second oldest of seven children, one (Ivy Burroughs Russell) preceded her in death. Ms. McCormick graduated from Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC in 1971.

Ms. McCormick married Kenneth Victor McCormick, Sr. in 1971 (divorced 1991) and five children were born from this union. She professed her life to Christ at an early age and later joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC where she was an active member until her health prevented her from serving. She loved serving the Lord and spoke of his goodness at all times. She was a former member of the Gospel Choir and later served as a member of the Hospitality Ministry. She was a member of the Senior Adult Ministry until her passing.

Ms. McCormick attended Guilford Technical Community College and Shaw University Divinity School.  She began her early career as a licensed sewing machine operator with Bates Nightwear in Greensboro. After returning to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked at St. James Nursing Home and Guilford Healthcare, both in Greensboro NC. She was later promoted to Assistant Director of Activities at Guilford Healthcare. There she would incorporate her love for singing and love for the Lord by leading devotion with the residents. She was recognized as employee of the month and year numerous times. At each nursing home facility where she worked, she was well loved by the nursing home residents, their families and fellow staff. She retired after 30+ years of service.

Ms. McCormick was well known in her community and family for being the "church lady" and a "prayer warrior". She would bring neighborhood children, nieces and nephews to church and vacation bible school. Known for her kind spirit, smile, humor, and positivity, she was affectionately known as "Aunt JoAnn" to her nieces and nephews. Many times, she provided a safe and loving home for family members and the community including single mothers fleeing domestic violence situations.  She was very family oriented and devoted her life to raising her children.  She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and made sure to tell anyone who would listen about their accomplishments. She loved writing poetry, some of which had been published. At every family function and on holidays she was asked to make her famous potato salad and sweet potato and coconut pies. These recipes were handed down to her nieces, daughters, and granddaughter Brenda Elaine.

Ms. McCormick leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Kenneth Victor McCormick, Jr. (Tonia) of Clayton NC, Michelle McCormick Lewis (David) of Clayton NC, Leslie Dennard McCormick (Maritza) of Lawton OK, Keith Avin McCormick (Wahkeelah) of Greensboro NC and Alicia Faye McCormick of Cincinnati OH. She is also survived by her siblings, James Leslie Burroughs, Jr. (Maxine) of Greensboro NC, Joseph Eugene Burroughs of Greensboro NC, Linda Diane Burroughs of Stone Mountain GA, Beverly Ann Robinson of Greensboro NC, Sylvia Jean Burroughs of Durham NC, brother-in-law Larry Russell of Greensboro NC and stepsisters Glenda Morgan, Laura Shackleford and Redessa Williams of Durham NC. She is also survived by her maternal Aunt, Hazel Gillis (George) of Jacksonville FL, paternal uncles, Robert Burroughs (LaVerne) of Lithonia GA, and Raymond Burroughs (Joanne) of Timberlake NC, 19 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A public viewing will be Wednesday, March 20 in Hargett Funeral Service, Inc., 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro at 2:45 pm - 5:00 pm.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Thursday, March 21 in Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1301 Alamance Church Road, Greensboro; visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am followed by the service at 11:30 am.  Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Park. Livestreaming of the service is available.