Ned Demeo Brooks, former barber

Ned Demeo Brooks, better known as "Neddle" to his family and friends, was born in Wilson County, N.C., and attended Wilson County schools. Ned graduated from Fike High School in 1977.  He also graduated from Harris Barber College in Raleigh, N.C., in 1978.  Ned worked for Artis Barber Shop in Wilson starting in 1979, then Pep's Barber Shop  for 10 years, until his health began to fail.  Ned then moved to Milton, where he lived until his death.

Those who preceded him in death included his parents, James Henry and Merellene Brooks; two brothers, James Brooks Jr. and Robert Weaver; and one brother-in-law, James Barnes Jr.

He is survived by the love of his life, Brenda Barnes of Milton; four sons, Derrick Purnell of Milton, Cory Barnes (Tammy) of Salisbury Md., William Aikens of Milton, and Dwayne Barnes of Milton; three daughters, Tamsha Rogers of Wilson, Marlena Yohannes of Radcliff, Ky., and Arnissa Gibson-Barnes of Milton; two sisters, Stephenia Brooks of Wilson and Theodosia Alston (Wilbert) of Louisburg N.C.; three sisters-in-law, Gloria Leonard (Juan) of Millsboro, Shirley Quillen of  Philadelphia, Pa., and Theresa Joynes of Georgetown; four brothers-in-law, Jerome Barnes (Olivia) of Wilson, Bruce Dennis of Millsboro, William Purnell (Vanessa) of Berlin, Md. and Gary Oliver (Sandra) of Berlin; a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and one special friend, Dwight Hurst; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services will be held at Friendship Baptist Church, 500 W. 4th St., Lewes, at noon, Saturday April 28, and family and friends may call one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Friendship Baptist Church cemetery.