Barbara Ferguson Brooks

Barbara Jean Brooks, 83, of Kingsport, died Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at Brookdale of Kingsport. She was born April 2, 1935, in Kingsport, TN, the daughter of the late Ray Basil and Etta May Cleek Ferguson. At the age of nine years, Barbara became a Christian and joined a Missionary Baptist Church and was active at different times of her life in two other Missionary Baptist Churches. She was currently a member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, and also a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. Barbara graduated from Sullivan High School in 1952 as salutatorian of her class and became a published author at age 15 with a poem entitled "Fog". In 2012, she published a book written about her family entitled "One Family's Journal (Living with Muscular Dystrophy)". After graduation from high school, she worked at Radio Station WKIN, Holston Defense, Eastman, and Kingsport Press. She attended ETSU, earned a diploma from a journalism school, and served as editor of the Kingsport Press Newspaper "Press Piper".
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, N. Charles Brooks; a son, Mark Steven Brooks; four brothers, Robert Howell, Darrell Ray, Donald Fain, and Ronald Wain Ferguson; a sister-in-law, Marie Brooks Hickman and husband, V.L.; and brother-in-law, Milburn F. Brooks and wife Betty.
Barbara is survived by two sisters, Peggy Anne Ferguson Snavely (James A.), and Brenda Sue Ferguson Wallin (James T.); a newphew, Jeffrey Thomas Wallin; three nieces, Lydia Alfrey (Chuck), Anna Marie Allen (Tommy), Catherine Odom (Keith); and a sister-in-law, Margaret Brooks Smith.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. on Friday, November 9, 2018, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Richard L. Hayes officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be church members
Donations can be mad eto the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, 3200 Glen Alpine Road, Kingsport, TN 37660, or Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.

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