Barbara Lee Jernigan Brookins

Barbara Lee Jernigan Brookins died on November 18, 2023 at the age of 84 at the home of her daughter, Leigh Stanford.  She was surrounded by Leigh and her grandchildren.

Barbara was born July 12, 1939 in Donalsonville, Georgia to the late James Lonnie Jernigan and Helen Elizabeth Spann Jernigan.  She graduated from Seminole County High School in 1957.  She was an active member of the high school band as a majorette and drum major.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology at Stetson University and a Master’s degree from Atlanta University.  Barbara taught high school for many years in Cobb County, Georgia and later taught classes at the university level.  

Barbara loved books, plants, genealogy, and animals.  She and her late husband, Dr. Ralph Waldo Fowler, Jr., retired to Clayton, Georgia and nurtured their love of nature and wildflowers.  

She later returned to Donalsonville, Georgia and married Chris Brookins.  Chris and Barbara both loved animals and provided a loving home to many.  

Barbara later relocated to Bartow County to be with her daughters.  

She was generous with her love and support to family members and friends.  

In her later years, Barbara battled with health issues, but her love and humor always shown through.  We will miss her kindness, knowledge, and steadfast love for life and others around her.  

Barbara is survived by her brother, Jim Jernigan; her sister-in-law, India Jernigan; her daughter, Leigh Stanford; her daughter, Sabrina Falkenhagen and her son-in-law, Jay Falkenhagen.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Taylor Rhea Barton, Elizabeth Chaseley Dutch, and Andrew Stanford Kinchen; her former son-in-law, Allen Robert Dutch; her former husband, Edwin Wayne Stanford and his wife, Karen Stanford.  She also survived and loved by many other family and friends.  

A graveside service will be held for Barbara on Saturday November 25^th at 11:00 am at Friendship Cemetery in Donalsonville, Georgia.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:  Animal Rescue Alliance 2645 Georgia Highway 91 Donalsonville, Georgia  37845.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Barbara Lee Jernigan Brookins.