Ellen Brooks

Ellen was born November 26, 1936, on Thanksgiving Day in Baker, FL to William J. and Bessie Mae Gillis King. She graduated from Baker High School then earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1958. Ellen taught junior high and high school math in Florida, Louisiana and Arkansas. Later, she served as bookkeeper for 17 years at Arkansas School and Office Supply in Fort Smith.

Ellen was married to her husband, James, for 57 years until his death in 2017. She learned piano at an early age and played in church and later in nursing homes in Fort Smith. She enjoyed gardening and was an accomplished seamstress, making wedding dresses, draperies and doing alterations for many years. More importantly, she was a loving “Nana” to her six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, and her brother.

She is survived by a son, Eric and daughter-in-law Lisa Brooks of Pass Christian, MS; a daughter, Melanie Kelley and son-in-law Geoff of Russellville; grandsons, Jonathan Brooks of Alabaster, AL, Cullen Brooks of Youngsville, LA, Trent Brooks of Fort Smith, Brett Kelley of Waxahachie, TX, and Riley Kelley of Russellville; and a granddaughter, Emily Brooks of Covington, LA; sisters, Joyce King of Baker, FL and Reba Simms of Port Orange, FL; great grandsons, Shep Brooks, Rhett Brooks, Mikal Brooks and Marcus Brooks.

Ellen was an active member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith for 37 years.

A celebration of life service will be 11:00 AM Saturday in the chapel of Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N. 12th St, Fort Smith. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons.

Memorials to Hannah House, Inc., P.O. Box 180628, Fort Smith, AR 72918 or Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.