Hilda Brooks Newell

Hilda Brooks Newell (November 11, 1962 - October 31, 2023) Hilda was a warm and generous spirit, who was loved by many. She was a loving mother, who was full of fun, free spirited, and touched the lives of each person she encountered. Hilda was born in Bussac France in 1962 to Shirley Booth Brooks and James Boyd Brooks Jr. She was one of five children. She attended Pine Forrest High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and later joined the United States Army, where she served her country for three years. She later went to school and obtained an Associates Degree in Nursing, which led her to an amazing career for 25 years and she touched the lives of many in various positions including working with hospice, oncology, and dialysis. Hilda gave birth to two wonderful children (Robert Garner and Crystal El Haloui) with her first husband (Clyde Garner). Hilda was blessed with multiple grandchildren Donte Jr, Robert Jr, Aria, Samara, David, Esther, and Aaliyah. She loved her role as a grandparent and treasured her time with her grandkids and preferred to be called “Nana”, so she didn’t appear to be older than she really was. Hilda met her late husband (Arnold “Sticks” Newell) in Fayetteville, North Carolina and enjoyed many good times together for more than 17 years. They loved to travel together, enjoyed listening to music, and going on motorized scooter rides around town. Hilda and Sticks lovingly combined two families together and welcomed stepdaughters Peaches, Penny, Shavonna, Tierra, and Nicole along with many step-grandchildren. Hilda was also a mother to a furry and friendly dog named Skippy, who was always down for a ride. Hilda easily made friends from all over, no matter where she went. Her easy-going and down-to-earth demeanor made her such a joy to be around. Hilda was very passionate about her role as a Registered Nurse and her most recent position was with DaVita as a peritoneal dialysis nurse. She unfortunately had to retire in 2022, after the passing of her husband (Sticks) and her diagnosis of cancer, but during her career she could be found nursing up all sorts of things. To have a nurse as a mother, placed you on a battlefield, as she would respond to our most insignificant boo boos, by saying, “die quietly!” Hilda was a very spiritual person in nature and a true believer in God. She prayed regularly and considered herself a Christian. Hilda had several hobbies and if you knew her well enough, you would know she loved the beach! She enjoyed listening to the water, swimming, collecting seashells, and walking on the seashore. She had a love for all things Caribbean, including Reggae music. She really enjoyed all types of foods, trying new things, and she never appeared to be afraid of anything. She had a knack for cooking and could prepare a meal fit for an army. She also loved a good time and was known to be the last man standing at any event. Hilda will always be remembered for her generosity and light and the way that she always smiled so bright. We’ll always imagine hearing her say “Yeah mon!” (in her Jamaican accent) and “It is what it is.” We couldn’t have asked for a better parent, sister, friend, wife, aunt, daughter and she will be truly missed every day. Hilda’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. Hilda was preceded in death by her husband Arnold Newell, her sister Caroline Brooks Fassett, her brother Steve Brooks, and is survived by children Crystal and Robert, brother James Brooks and sister Hannah Brooks, Nephew Stephen Brooks Jr, niece Brooks Fassett, Nephews John, Nick, and Chris Nettleton, grandchildren Donte Jr, Robert Jr, Aria, Samara, David, Esther, and Aaliyah, and a host of other extended family members and friends.