Barbara Jean Brooks

It is with great sadness that the Brook's family announces the passing of Barbara Jean Brooks, age 93, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by way of Asheville, North Carolina. Barbara passed away peacefully on January 12th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on November 20, 1931, in Asheville, North Carolina to the late James and Ophelia Chapman. Barbara was the second eldest to sisters, Jeanette, Carolyn and Mary, who precedes her in death. Barbara was a devout Catholic and wife to the late William Edward Brooks Sr. During their union, Barbara and William parented 6 children: Cynthia, Linda, William Jr., Minkah, Ife and Julia. After the birth of her three eldest children, Barbara decided to relocate from Asheville, North Carolina, with her family to Pennsylvania. Barbara made her residence in Philadelphia where she thrived in her career as a nurse for over 33 years. Barbara graduated as one of two African-American nursing students at Wheeling Hospital School of Nursing in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1955. Prior to relocating to the city of Philadelphia, Barbara held a staff nursing position at the Hospital of North Carolina (1955). She held a similar position at Pennsylvania Hospital (1956). Barbara was a well-known and respected member of the Philadelphia community, working for the city of Philadelphia as a registered nursing supervisor from 1965 through 1986, retiring as a nursing supervisor from the Germantown House in 1989. Outside of work and family, Barbara was a devoted pillar of her community, volunteering at her long time church, Saint Martin de Porres as well as the School Board of Education in Philadelphia as a teacher's aide. Barbara was an avid reader. She enjoyed reading the newspaper and Harlequin novels. She enjoyed watching on television her beloved Eagles football team with the sound on mute if the sport commentators were talking bad about her team. Barbara is survived by her six children: Cynthia (Tyler), Linda (Smith), William Jr., Minkah (Baraka), Ife and Julia (Goodwin); daughters-in-law, Michelle (Baraka) and Matrice (Brooks); son-in-law, Curtis (Tyler); sisters, Jeanette (Adams) and Carolyn (Hambrick); 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and loved ones. Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral service at 11:00am, Wednesday, January 22nd at the Dinan Funeral Home, 1923 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia PA 19130. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday morning at 10:00-11:00am. Interment Chelten Hills Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA.

Barbara Jean Brooks

November 20, 1931 - January 12, 2025

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Barbara Jean Brooks

November 20, 1931 - January 12, 2025

About Us

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Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

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