Carol Verna Brooks, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at her home in Columbia, SC. She is survived by her loving husband of sixty-three years, Francis “Tommy” Brooks; her daughter, Cathy Lynn Brooks of Columbia, SC; her son, Gregory Lee Brooks (Nanette) of Columbia, SC and grandsons, Thomas Joseph Brooks and Cameron Lee Brooks, both of Columbia, SC. Carol was predeceased by her parents, Vernon and Louise and her brother, Thomas.
Carol was born in Baltimore, MD on December 20, 1937. She and Tommy married in 1957 and lived in Virginia for 18 years before moving to Columbia, SC in 1978.
Carol was employed in the retail industry for many years and was manager and a buyer for Trump’s gift shop in Columbia Mall. She delighted in helping her customers find the perfect gift or accessory. Carol loved gardening and decorating and was an avid reader. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Europe and annual trips to the mountains. She was known for her elegance and good humor. She was an excellent cook, and her Maryland crab cakes and lasagna were family favorites.
Carol found her greatest joy as a wife, mother, and grandmother. To Tommy she was a devoted, loyal life partner and companion. To Cathy and Greg, she was a supportive, generous mother. To Cameron and Thomas, she was a constant, loving presence in their lives. Carol’s family and friends cherish her memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carol’s memory to Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201 or online at harvesthope.org.
A private memorial gathering will be held at a future date.