Barbara Fortner Brooks

Barbara Elizabeth Fortner Brooks, 89, passed away December 26, 2025, in Leland, NC.

Barbara was born April 21, 1936, in Concord, NC, to the late Horace Fortner and the late Reba Smith Fortner.

She was also preceded in death by her dear husband Dr. Joseph F. Brooks and her only sibling, Kenneth Fortner.

She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Brooks Brown, RN (Brian) and Bonnie Brooks Bobbitt, RN (Jeff); her grandchildren, Joseph Brown, Rebecca Brown Fann, RN, and Nicholas Bobbitt; and her great-grandchildren, Delilah Fann, Everly Fann, and Brooks Fann.

Barbara graduated from Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. Her professional life was guided by the Florence Nightingale Pledge. She served as an RN in Medical/Surgical, Cardiology, and Psychiatric units, and as an office nurse in Raleigh, NC.

She was an active Church member her entire life and served as Sunday School teacher and vocalist in the choir. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved flowers.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis, officiated by Dr. Thomas E. Cabaniss. Burial will immediately follow at Carolina Memorial Park Cemetery, 601 Mount Olivet Rd, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.