Jeanette Brooks

September 8,1937-March 22,2025

Myrna Jeanette (Adams) Brooks, affectionately known as Jan, died peacefully after a

brief illness, at her home on Saturday March 22nd in the early morning hours. Jan was

born on September 8, 1937, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to Clyde and Gladys Dixon

Adams. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Jack Adams, Gerald Adams,

and Larry Adams, as well as her sister, Sue Bailey.

Jan was a proud alumna of Jacksonville State University, where she earned a Bachelor

of Science in Education. She later obtained a Master’s in Education from the University

of Alabama at Birmingham. Throughout her 30-year career in the Alabama education

system, Jan touched the lives of countless students. She taught at several schools,

including Lincoln, Oneonta, Sardis, Lynn, and General Forrest in Gadsden, before

retiring in Fort Payne at Gault Avenue Elementary. The majority of her career was spent

in elementary physical education, a field she truly cherished, as it allowed her to interact

with children daily.

On June 25, 1961, Jan married the love of her life, Robert Brooks. Together, they

shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, raising two sons, Richy and Robin. She is also

survived by her daughter-in-law, Debbie, and three grandchildren: Caleb (and his wife,

Marlee), Connor, and Cade. Jan held her entire family of nephews and nieces close to

her heart, many of whom lived nearby, and she took great joy in spending time with

them.

In retirement, Jan devoted much of her time to serving others, which brought her

immense fulfillment. She was a dedicated and loving member of Keener Baptist Church

and was actively involved in the Keener Community Club. Her heart for service was

evident in her participation in church and community activities. Jan was especially

known for her love of cooking, with her homemade apple pies being a family favorite.

Another passion of Jan’s was attending sporting events. Whether it was supporting her

husband during his coaching career or cheering on her sons as they played and later

coached, she was always in the stands, her enthusiasm and excitement evident for all

to hear. Later in life she continued to attend games for her grandchildren as they all

played and coached as well. Her dedication to her family’s sporting events was

unwavering, and she rarely missed a game.

Above all, Jan’s greatest passion was her deep relationship with her Lord and Savior,

Jesus Christ. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she never allowed anything

to overshadow her commitment to Him.

Jan was a special lady whose kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone she

met. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of

knowing her.

There will be a ceremony on Sunday March 30 at Keener Baptist Church. Visitation will

be held from 12:30-1:45. A brief celebration of her life will begin at 2 pm inside the

church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Keener Baptist Church

in her honor.