Isabel Aitken Brooker

Isabel Aitken Brooker, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Mrs. Brooker was the daughter of Dr. Frank J. T. Aitken, M.D. and Marguerite Nagle Aitken. She was born in Cumberland County, South Jersey. Mrs. Brooker attended Bridgeton High School and graduated from Westtown Friends School, Westtown, PA. She attended Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY before graduating from Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA where she received a degree in Art. While at Bucknell, she met her husband of 68 years, Donald Barth Brooker, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Brooker used her art degree in teaching Traditional and Tapestry Rug Hooking. She was an Accredited Craft instructor, teaching classes in North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as exhibiting in many states. While teaching at Belle Grove Plantation, a National Trust Property, she planned and staged three National Rug Exhibitions.

Mrs. Brooker was a dedicated volunteer and community activist, having the privilege to serve on a number of boards. She was a well-known gardener and a 30-year member of The Federated Garden Clubs of America, as well as the Garden Club of Virginia. While living in Hawaii, she was an Interpreter for the National Botanical Garden. Mrs. Brooker enjoyed creative writing and served for three years as President of the Shenandoah Writers’ Guild.

An active church member, Mrs. Brooker taught all ages of Sunday School for over 50 years. She also served on Church Councils and as Circle Chairman. At the time of her death she was a resident of The Blake at Kingsport. The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff at the Blake, as well as Gentiva Hospice, for their love and care for Isabel. 

She is survived by three sons, Carl of St. Marys, GA (wife, Jennifer, their children and grandchildren), Duane of Kingsport, TN (wife, Lauren and children, Megan and Sara), and Stewart of Winterville, NC (wife, Rebecca and children, Elisha and Lydia).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local food bank or any animal shelter.