Mrs. Barbara A. Brockett Fenner

Barbara Ann Brockett Fenner was born on February 18, 1943, in Greenville, NC to the late Charles and Anna Brockett. She departed this life on December 29, 2022, in her home. Barbara always had an insatiable quest for learning, eager to acquire and share knowledge and wisdom to all she encountered. She graduated from C. M. Eppes High School in 1960 and pursued undergraduate studies at N.C. Central University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Sociology in 1964. She furthered her education with graduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, graduating with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 1973. Barbara and Ashley were united in holy matrimony in 1973 in Manhattan, New York. Barbara became a licensed Social Worker in 1974 and spent her early adult career living and working in the Northeast in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York and Boston, Massachusetts. Barbara immediately began making a difference in the lives of others, working as a Social Worker with the New York City Department of Social Services and Harlem Hospital. Her dedication to lifelong learning was developed from engaging in numerous learning and cultural experiences at Harvard and MIT. She taught French, Sociology and Social Work in the Pitt County public schools, Beaufort Community College and East Carolina University. Barbara shaped countless lives academically, socially, and spiritually. Barbara was a woman of deep faith and loved Jesus Christ. She attended and served most of her life at York Memorial AME Zion Church in Greenville, NC, singing in the choir. She also worshipped with her mother for many years at Holy Trinity United Holy Church in Greenville, NC. She also recently became affiliated with Alfred Street Baptist Church and locally worshipped with Born2win Ministries. Barbara used God’s spiritual gifts, especially serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and caring, to bless the underprivileged through education and economic empowerment. These were the main hallmarks of her life as an educator and community advocate, as she strived for humanity to be learned, heard, inspired, and nurtured. Barbara moved back home to Greenville to be closer to her parents and to use her knowledge and expertise to support the growth and development of her community. Barbara envisioned equity and revitalization in the impoverished neighborhoods in West Greenville. She and her late husband Ashley, together became entrepreneurs with A&B Consulting & Construction and the West Greenville Community Development, Corporation, providing much-needed services of affordable housing, quality education, and financial literacy. Barbara was a cultured, intellect, passionate and curious about life and ever grateful for all of God’s abundance of blessings. She stayed active maintaining her beloved home and yard, busily raking the leaves in the Fall, and planting beautiful blooms in the Spring. She cherished beauty, nature, flowers, art, music, especially jazz and gospel. Barbara sketched and painted pictures, participated in community theatre and was an avid curator of literature ranging from African and American history to biblical philosophy. She would always share the latest books she was reading and its impact to help a loved one with their health needs or improve the plight of the community. She always believed, “there is more to know, to do, to see and to be.” Barbara traveled abroad to Africa and the Caribbean and loved to share her experiences with others. She sponsored a community street festival annually for many years, to showcase the talent of children and celebrate our diverse history, food, art, and culture. She hosted Kwanzaa celebrations during the holiday season in her home for many years, always reiterating the important traditions of our rich heritage. Barbara loved and committed to her family and friends. She had peculiar ways, unique and understood by those who truly knew and cherished her. Her radiant smile and hearty laughter beamed with joy, and she exuded sophisticated grace and unwavering peace. She was a devoted caregiver to her late husband Ashley and parents, Bill and Anna. She lovingly and sternly mothered Keema and Kiara, her nieces, godchildren, students and the community at large. Barbara invested and devoted her entire life, and was a pillar to community and family, striving to uplift those in need, imparting Godly wisdom through her every encounter. She was always there for you, for every milestone in life, good and bad. She truly accepted the mission to be used for God’s purpose, a life well-loved and very well-lived. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anna Brockett of Greenville, NC and husband Ashley Fenner of St. Thomas VI. Barbara will be cherished forever by her family and friends. She leaves to mourn and continue her legacy: Her beloved daughter, Keema Fenner of Raleigh, NC; granddaughter, Kiara McAllister of Raleigh, NC; loving brother, David E. (Alpharadia) Foreman of Vanceboro, NC; sisters-in-law, Nieta Battiste, Ilka Fenner Webster (deceased), Atty Judy M Gomez, Antoinette Gomez, Denise Turbe, and Angeli Leerdam; brothers-in-law, Kevin Fenner, Dana Gomez, and Richard (Asky) Gomez; nieces, Virgene Ava Foreman, Kimmera Foreman, Jacqueline Foreman, Jaquanda West, Ketura Foreman, Janequa Foreman Foster, Janaa, Jolie and Synette Marie Brown-Morgan, Dr. Symra Dee Brown, Lina Battiste, Jonelle Homer, Delcia Lawrence, Kymberly Martin, Aisha Thomas, Jazzlyn and Jeniah Gomez; nephews, Jamal Foreman, Jquan Webb, Jahmari, Kaeson and Lucien Battiste, Jamal George, Michael Christian, Rasheen St. Juste, Malverne Trotman Jr., Khingz Leerdam, Asky and Joseph Gomez; godchildren, Esther L. Hammond of Greenville, NC, Jill R. Hammond of Fulton, MD and David S. Hammond, Jr. of Huntersville, NC and a host of cousins, relatives, and dear friends. Celebration of Life will held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2023, Holy Trinity United Holy Church. Interment at Homestead Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Barbara A. Brockett Fenner

February 18, 1943 - December 29, 2022