New Bern -

Joe Brooking, age 67, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at PAM Health Specialty Hospital in Rocky Mount, NC. He was born on September 7, 1958 in Marion County, Indiana to Francis and Betty Brooking. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Denise Crane; step-children, Jessica Rice and Keith Rice and brothers-in-law, Charles Crane and Brad Burns.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Duigou-Brooking; children, Brandi Wood (Bryan), Joshua Brooking (Kacie), all of Indiana and Jeremy Brooking of South Carolina; step-children, Angel Pedro of Havelock, Gwendolyn Rice-Smith of New Bern, Stephanie Wilmoth (Larry) and William Rice, II, all of Ohio; siblings, Belinda Koch (Jim), Debra Northard (Richard), Melissa Burns Lebanon, Pat Brooking (Karen), all of Indiana and Ray Brooking (Pam) of Tennessee. Joe will also be missed by seventeen grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed the mountains, going fishing, and riding motorcycles and horses. He was also family-oriented and took great pride in his roles as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date.