11/17/2025
Hillsborough
Nabethel “Tump” Brooks was born on July 12, 1934, in Orange County, North Carolina, home to several generations of the Brooks family. He was the son of the late Sylvester and Eula McBroom Brooks.
His soul peacefully returned to God at the age of 91 on November 14, 2025, during the early morning hours at Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sylvester Brooks; his birth mother, Eula McBroom Brooks; and the beloved “Mama Sallie,” who raised him with love and care after his mother’s passing.
He was also preceded by his brothers Rayfield, Banter, John, and Roger Brooks, and sister Pauline Atwater.
Nabethel often spoke lovingly of his family who went before him and held their memories close throughout his life. We find comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with them, surrounded by the same love that guided him here on earth.
Nabethel was a lifelong member of Jones Grove Baptist Church and served his country with pride after being drafted into the United States Army in 1959.
When he returned home, he built a strong and steady career, working for companies including Liggett & Myers To***co Co., Western Electric, AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Walmart. He retired twice, first from Lucent Technologies and later from Walmart, leaving behind a reputation for dedication and a good laugh shared with many.
Tump found many joys in his lifetime. He loved his Chevrolet cars, dancing with his wife, watching racing and westerns, reading his Bible, and joking with his family and friends. He spent many days side by side with his brothers, building houses, sheds, and memories that lasted a lifetime. His distinct laughter and demeanor could brighten any room, and his faith remained a constant source of strength throughout his life.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 64 years, Nancy Brooks. Together, they shared a rich life filled with faith, laughter, and memories that spanned more than six decades. They enjoyed traveling, music, and opening their home to family and friends for gatherings that reflected all they created together. From this union came two sons, Nabathel (Grady) Brooks of Hillsborough, NC, and Nowell Brooks (Stephanie) of Henderson, North Carolina. His sons value their father’s guidance from their youth to reaching manhood. There will never be enough time spent with him, and they will always value the time shared with him until his final moments he also is survived by two brothers, Fred Hester of Mebane, North Carolina, and Donald W. Brooks (Ella) of Hillsborough, North Carolina, along with six sisters: Maudie Brooks-Long (William), Elnora Brooks-Cates (Buddy), and Doris Brooks-Johnson (Johnnie), all of Hillsborough; Shirley Brooks-Cates (Willie) of Cedar Grove; and Janice Brooks-Alston (Jessie) and Sarah Johnson (Wilbert), both of Mebane.
The bond between Nabethel and his siblings was one of his life’s greatest joys. His time spent with them was among the moments he held most dear, alongside watching his cousins grow throughout their lifetime and being an uncle to a host of nieces and nephews.
He leaves his memories to be cherished by his nine grandchildren, Nicolas, Nicole, Nigel, Janell, Taylor, Niyah, Nyesha, Niles, and Nala, and seven great-grandchildren, Nyomi, James Jr, Ja’Cory, Nigel, Niland, Janiyah, and Jasai.
For the grandchildren, our grandparents’ home was the center of so many of our childhood memories. They valued being part of our grandfather’s daily joys from spending time with him in the shed, riding in his cars, and joining him in his lifelong church community that shaped so much of who he was. He was always present for life’s major moments, and as our lives continue to grow, we know he will remain with us in spirit.
The funeral will be 12:00pm Wednesday November 19, 2025 at Jones Grove Baptist Church. Visitation will be 11:00am to 12:00pm in the church. Burial in Jones Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Public viewing will be Tuesday November 18, 2025 10:00 to 5:00pm at Chavis-Parker Funeral Home
