Iola Williams McBroom

Mrs. Iola Williams McBroom, born July 13, 1934, in Asheboro, North Carolina, transitioned peacefully with her daughter by her side on Wednesday December 10, 2025, after a brief period of critical illness. The third daughter of the Mr. James Williams and Mrs. Adelia Leola Brown Williams Nicholson, both deceased, she later made Burlington her home, graduating from Jordan Sellars High School in 1952 and remaining one of the last surviving members of her class. Known for her pride in her school days as a clarinetist and majorette, Iola married the love of her life, the late Connie Banks McBroom, on December 24, 1953, beginning a 53-year partnership grounded in faith, devotion, comedy, and joy.

Iola's life reflected service, perseverance, and quiet trailblazing. She began her working career at the Alamance County Hospital and later became part of the first group of Black employees hired beyond the mailroom at Western Electric, where she worked on government contracts and in the manufacturing department. In 1968, she and Connie adopted their daughter, Lisa Reneé and were among the first Black couples in Alamance County to legally adopt a child. After nearly twenty years at Western Electric, Iola made a career shift to education as a teacher's assistant with the Alamance County School System until her retirement in 1990.

A lifelong and devoted member of St. Matthews African Methodist Episcopal Church, Iola served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Usher Board, member of the Women's Missionary Society, founder of the Youth Choir, Chairwoman of the WillingWorkers Club, and President of the Hospitality Committee. She cherished deep friendships, especially through her "Ebony Golden Girls," and loved her family fiercely.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Lisa R. McBroom of Charlotte, NC; grandsons Kendal L. McBroom (Britney) of Laurel, MD, Konnor L. Miles of Durham, NC, and Kaleb L. Currie of Graham, NC; great-granddaughter Emersyn A. McBroom of Laurel, MD; sisters-in-law Jeanette W. Allen (Thomas) and Barbara L. Sellars of Burlington, NC; special nephew Edward "Rummie" A. Williams of Greensboro; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and a grateful community.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 12:00 PM at St. Matthews African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1136 Apple Street, where Rev. Dr. Patrice Fields is Senior Pastor. Family visitation will begin at 11:30 AM. Burial will take place at Northlawn Cemetery in Burlington, NC.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by all of her siblings, Mrs. Clara Ann Nicholson, Mr. Forest Nicholson, Mr. Elcie Nicholson, Mrs. Gladys N. LeGrande, Mrs. Gladys E. Edmondson, Mrs. Gertrude Marie King, and Mr. Henry Edward Nicholson.

The family is deeply thankful for the compassionate care provided by Cone Health Alamance Regional, AuthoraCare Collective, and especially Chyna Mallory.

Iola, Olee, Ola, Aunt Ola or Aunt Iola, "Boop Boop", Mama, Grama, and Honey lived fully, loved deeply, served faithfully. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to speak through the ages.

Funeral Service will be live streamed on the Sharpe Funeral Home Facebook page