Carolyn Brooks of Durham, NC has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
What you read below is one part of a life lived with quiet purpose.
A name is a small thing to hold a whole life.
DURHAM, NC– Carolyn Dickson Brooks, age 83 died on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Duke University Hospital after an extended illness, a week short of her 84th birthday. Born in Newport News, Virginia, she was raised in Greensboro (NC) and was predeceased by her parents, Wayland Alexander Crutchfield and Doris Sutton Crutchfield, and her sister Alice Diane Crutchfield. She is survived by her brother, Wayland Alexander Crutchfield, Jr.
Carolyn (Mom) had a very successful career in real estate in Durham for almost 25 years. However, her true joy was in the four great loves in her life that carried her from her early years through to the end of her life. We believe her purpose on this earth was to love and love deeply, and she did that brilliantly. Her life was not only a life well lived it was a life well loved.
Her first love was her high school sweetheart, David Max Dickson, whom she married after they graduated from college in 1962. They moved from Greensboro to Durham, shortly thereafter and were married for 24 years, together raising two (2) sons, David Max Dickson, Jr. (Natalie) and Darrell Glenn Dickson (Rachael Elliott).
Mom's second great love was Carroll Eugene Brooks of Durham, who like her parents and sister, also predeceased her in 2011. Carroll and Mom were married for 24 wonderful years, and they made many wonderful memories together. Carroll left behind his four (4) amazing daughters that Mom loved as her own. Beth Brooks Walker, Becky Brooks, Barbara Brooks Urban (Allen) and Brenda Brooks DeLao were the daughters she always wanted, and they treated her better than gold.
Mom's third great love came along unexpectedly following Carroll's death, and although their time together was brief, it was a mature and wonderful adventure. Dr. Riley Stallings, also of Durham, had been a long-term friend and the family dentist for many years when opportunity came knocking at a time that seemed to suit them both. Unfortunately, Riley died after only two (2) years of marriage but together they made many memories that helped sustain Mom in her later years. Riley had two sons, that were also like her family, and in Scott and Page (Elizabeth), they treated her the same.
Mom's fourth great love, and her greatest love of all- was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (Evie Jo). She adored them, spoiled them, and most of all loved them. Her grandchildren included Zachary Glenn Dickson, David Max Dickson, III, Perry Alexander Dickson, Coleman Penn Dickson, Quinn Taylor Dickson and Jordan Noelle Dickson. The Brooks' girls' children were much loved, and included Brian and Mallory Walker, Erica, Mikie and Taylor DeLao, and Katie, Jennifer and Lindsey Urban. Mom also had four (4) beloved nieces, and a nephew- Jane Howard Staples, Brent Crutchfield, Carolyn Wasdell and Alexander Crutchfield.
We would like to thank the staff at The Forest at Duke, particularly the ladies in Assisted Living-- for the amazing care and compassion they showed Mom, and our entire family, since she joined their community. We also wish to thank the incredible providers, caregivers, and Hospice Team at Duke Hospital for their care during Mom's recent illness.
At Mom's request there will be no memorial service but a celebration of Life for the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Duke Homecare Hospice, 12 Moore Drive, Durham, 27713.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.
