Barbara Ipock

CHARLOTTE – Barbara Brazell Ipock, 81, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025. She was born on May 31, 1944, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Dewey and Fern Brazell.

Barbara grew up in Richmond, Virginia, alongside her beloved younger brother, James Edward Brazell, who preceded her in death earlier in 2025. She graduated from Huguenot High School in 1962 and went on to earn her degree in Education from James Madison University in 1966.

Following graduation, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, William M. Kirtley, and together they began their life's adventure in Frankfurt, Germany, where their first daughter, Amy, was born in 1968. Upon returning to the United States, they lived in Richmond, where their daughter Emily was born, and later in Chesapeake, Virginia; Cockeysville, Maryland; and Waterville, Maine, before settling in Charlotte in 1983, where Barbara made her permanent home. In 1978, they welcomed their son, Michael, adopted from Seoul, Korea-completing their family in ways they could have never imagined.

In 1988, Barbara married James Douglas "Doug" Ipock, and together they built a beautiful life in Charlotte for 37 wonderful years. Their blended family became her greatest joy-five loving children, twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two cherished nieces, Barbara and Tracy, daughters of her late brother, Jim. Her family filled her heart with pride, purpose, and immeasurable love.

Barbara dedicated over 20 years to her teaching career in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, where she inspired countless students to believe in themselves and reach their potential. She began her teaching journey at Lincoln Heights Elementary, continued at Sterling Elementary, and retired from Elizabeth Lane Elementary School. After retirement, she continued her lifelong passion for education by tutoring children throughout the city.

Above all else, Barbara's heart belonged to her family. She was a devoted wife to Doug, a loving mother to Amy, Emily, and Michael, and a proud stepmother to Jason and Sefton. Barbara and Doug's marriage was a true partnership-rooted in love, laughter, and faith. They delighted in time spent with their grandchildren, creating lasting memories during countless family trips and gatherings across the country.

Barbara and Doug shared a deep love for the beach, particularly Bogue Sound and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Their time there brought them peace and joy, and Barbara treasured sharing those moments with family and friends. Her warmth, kindness, and ability to nurture lasting friendships enriched every stage of her life.

A woman of steadfast faith, Barbara was an active member of Myers Park United Methodist Church, where her devotion and compassion touched many.

She is survived by her husband, Doug Ipock; daughters Amy Schilder of Bellingham, WA; and Emily Baroody (Tommy) of Scottsdale, AZ; son Michael Kirtley of Jacksonville, FL; stepsons Jason Ipock of Charlotte, NC, and Sefton Ipock (Darcey) of Wauwatosa, WI; grandchildren Auden and Logan Schilder; Olivia, Abigail, Lily, George, and Teddy Baroody; Leah, Luke, and William Ipock; and Addison and Aiden Ipock; as well as a large extended family who loved her deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SEENA Magowitz Foundation (Pancreatic Cancer Support) https://seenamagowitzfoundation.org/ or to the charity of your choice.

A service to celebrate Barbara's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 13th at Myers Park United Methodist Church, with the family receiving friends following the service in Jubilee Hall.