Elmer Brewington Obituary

Goldsboro- In his infinite wisdom, our Heavenly Father saw fit to take from this walk of life, Mr. Elmer Brewington age 94, on July 27, 2025 at Genesis HealthCare Facility in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. Mr. Brewington will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and please keep the family lifted in prayer during their time of bereavement. Elmer Leonard Brewington, age 94, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in Goldsboro, NC, after a long life filled with love, service and devotion to family, community, and country. Affectionately referred to by his middle name by those who knew him best, Leonard was born on June 5, 1931, in Dudley, NC, during the Great Depression. Leonard was the second youngest of seven children born to Rufus and Ida Brewington. Raised in a home built on resilience and strong values, Leonard often looked back on his childhood with affection-even the tough love and the "whippings," as his father called them-believing they helped shape the man he was proud to become. Leonard began his education at the age of five at Dudley Grammar School and graduated from Carver High School in Mount Olive in 1948. He went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University from 1949 to 1952 before being drafted into military service during the Korean War. He chose to serve in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he met the love of his life, Millie Izora Bibby. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Leonard's passion for service led him to join the U.S. Air Force, where he spent the next 20 years proudly serving his country. As a senior air traffic controller-a role he embraced with pride-he earned multiple awards and commendations, including for his service during the Vietnam War. Leonard and Millie shared a beautiful life together and were blessed with three daughters: Ava (Bonnie Colleen), Belinda, and Bridget. He was a deeply devoted father and grandfather, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his granddaughter, Jazlyn, and his great-grandchildren, Devon III ("DJ") and Jaylyn. After retiring from the military, Leonard found success in the auto sales industry, where he was recognized as a Master Salesman. Later, he followed his love for the outdoors by building a landscaping business that thrived for over 30 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing three landscaping projects at his beloved alma mater, NC A&T. A proud North Carolinian, Leonard found joy in the simple pleasures of life: Cars, Carolina BBQ, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and most of all, gathering with loved ones. In his later years, he was lovingly cared for by his ex-wives, Geraldine Manley and Theresa Cameron-both of whom he held in deep gratitude for their compassion and care. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Ida Brewington; his siblings: Franklin, Sadie Helen, Hubert, David, Gladrie Mae, and Colleen; and his first wife, Millie Bibby Brewington. He is loving remembered by his daughters, Ava (Bonnie Colleen) Brewington of California, Belinda Brewington, and Bridget Brewington, both of North Carolina; his granddaughter, Jazlyn Yvonne-Brewington Wiles, and her husband, Devon Wiles, Jr., of Texas; his great-grandchildren, Devon Wiles III ("DJ") and Jaylyn Wiles; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. A memorial service to honor Leonard's life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. of Goldsboro, NC.