Betty H. Brooks

Betty Jane Henry Brooks was born June 27, 1930 in Water Valley, Mississippi.  She passed away peacefully at her home in Fayetteville, Tennessee on July 24, 2019, surrounded by her family.  She grew up in Water Valley, Mississippi and moved to Memphis, Tennessee after graduating from high school.  She went to work at Kimberly-Clark where she met and married her husband, Ed. Betty and Ed were married February 14, 1953 and lived their lives serving each other and their family.  Because of their love for Jesus Christ, they have been a wonderful example of help-mates to each other all the days of their marriage.  They taught their children this through word, action, and deed.  They raised their family in Memphis and moved to Mississippi after Ed retired. They moved to Fayetteville, Tennessee in 2007.

Mrs. Brooks worked for 20 years as a school crossing guard for the Memphis Police Department.  She was assigned to multiple schools throughout this time.  She loved seeing the children every day and watching them grow from year to year.  However, her greatest love was for her family and her Savior Jesus Christ.  It was through this relationship with Christ that she was able to share His love with many children through her years of involvement at Berclair Baptist Church, Bible Study Fellowship in Memphis, Tennessee, and First Baptist Church, Explorer’s Bible Study in Batesville, Mississippi.  One of the things she will be remembered for was her devotion to pray for those she loved and to remind you “Whose you were”. Countless mornings she could be found at her sewing machine working and praying.

She is survived by her lovingly devoted husband of 66 years, Ernest Edward (Ed) Brooks, Sr.; two daughters Denise Brooks Kidd (William) and Connie Brooks Pitpitan (Siegfred) both of Fayetteville, Tennessee; grandchildren Russell (Angela) Brooks, Adam Brooks, Dr. Charles (Meghan) Kidd, Rebekah Kidd Thomas (Jeremiah),and Calvin (Haley) Kidd, and thirteen great-grandchildren.  Additionally, Mrs. Brooks is survived by sister, Charlotte Johnson Gray (Robert), brother-in-law Russell Gray both of Batesville, Mississippi; sister-in-law Linda Johnson of New Albany, Mississippi; plus several special nieces, nephews and cousins.  Throughout her life, Betty was quick to make friends and cherished each relationship.  She was known to many as “Ms. Betty or Momma Brooks” to those who found her home their home.  She loved each one as her own.         

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elsie Williams Johnson; her son, Ernest Edward (Eddie) Brooks Jr.; a sister, Eleanor Johnson Gray; a brother Roy Eugene Johnson; and great-granddaughter Lily Elizabeth Thomas.

A graveside service will be held at Forrest Memorial Park in Batesville, Mississippi on Monday, July 29, 2019 at 12PM. Reverend Philip Bunch will be officiating.

The family of Betty H. Brooks wishes to thank all who have prayed and supported them during this difficult season.  Special thanks to Dr. Sarah Thelen and her staff, Dr. Dennie Crabtree, the nurses and staff of Tennova Healthcare Harton Hospital, Dr. Litchfield, Dr. Cline, and the nurses and staff of Lincoln Medical Center, and Lincoln Medical Home Health and Hospice and our special nurse and friend, Alice Drennon.   

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Fayetteville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church or Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.