Deborah "Debbie" Stafford Brooks

Deborah “Debbie” Stafford Brooks, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. She was born on June 24, 1954, to the late Dennis Stafford and Hilda Stafford Sink. Debbie’s purpose in life was education. After she earned her master’s degree in education, she had several different positions in the education world before eventually settling in as a principal. She was a business education teacher at Kernersville Junior High, a student teacher at East Forsyth, spent over nine years at East Forsyth as an assistant principal, became principal at East Forsyth, and was the first principal of Kernersville Middle School. To Debbie, helping others was her duty. Many days she worked from the crack of dawn until the late hours of the night, from arriving early for meetings to attending the school’s sports games, to being a chaperone for the prom. Debbie dedicated her life to supporting and improving the school system. For her, every student’s success mattered. Her students and staff were family to her. Debbie will be remembered for her unwavering support from those around her, her incredible work ethic, and her courageous soul. In her later years, Debbie continued to support the education system by becoming a principal evaluator. Her protective nature and “never give up” attitude will be a characteristic that is passed in her family for generations. She will be missed immensely by her friends and family.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her stepfather, Hollis Sink.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Danny Brooks; a son, DJ Brooks (Alison); two grandchildren, Clark and Melody Brooks; Step-siblings, Angie Martin (Leon) and Barry Sink (Lydia); three brothers-in-law, Robbie Brooks (Vonnie), Brian Brooks (Melissa), and Claude Brooks III; a sister-in-law, Sandra Chisolm (Doug); as well as numerous extended family and friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Susan Carter Hope and Todd Braun for their continued support in the last few years.

Services will be held at a later date.