Thelma G. Brooks

Thelma Groves Brooks, 90, our loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend was called home to be with Jesus, February 27, 2010. She was born August 13, 1919 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late James Harvey and Maude Groves.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 55 loving years, Harry Louis Brooks and by her beloved son Lynn Borden Brooks.

She is survived by her children; Harry Louis Brooks, Jr. and wife Nancy, Ann Brooks Bennick and husband Barry; daughter-in-law, Shirley Brooks; grandchildren, Hollie Dickens and husband Joel, Geoff Brooks, Brad Bennick and wife Chris, Kyle Bennick and wife Lynn, Bryan Brooks and wife Joanna, David Brooks, Diana Harrell, David Harrell and wife Wanda, Rebecca Harry and husband Mark; great-grandchildren, Martin, Rachel, Mark, Lucy Bennick; Colt, Abigail, Annaleigh Dickens; Jacob Harrell; sister, Sue Ferrante; brother, James E. Groves and wife Mary; nieces and nephews, Patricia Albracht and husband Colman, Petrea Clark and husband Randy, Wesley Groves, Carol Raspberry and husband Larry, Mike Ferrante, Matt Ferrante and wife Melissa, Mark Ferrante and wife Linda and many other loving relatives and friends.

Thelma led a rich life that centered on family, but she also developed as an accomplished businesswoman. She started at age 17 (1936) as a telephone switchboard operator, participated equally with husband Harry in business endeavors over the years including a welding business, hardware store, furniture store, and construction/property management businesses in Tennessee and Texas. During World War II, she assisted in the assembly of B25 medium bombers. Other positions included full charge bookkeeper and office manager, Texas real estate broker, bank teller, bank vice president (one of the first women in Houston so designated), independent insurance agent, mortgage loan processor, and owner/operator of Thelma’s Uniform Shop in Pasadena. After retirement, she used her artistic talents in making ceramic and porcelain dolls and other beautiful objects for family and friends.

She was a member of Sagemont Church in Houston and, wherever she lived, was always active in Baptist Church activities, including Women’s Missionary Union, Girl’s Auxillary, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School. She participated in activities for her children including Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scouts, school room mother, Parent Teacher Association, and was lovingly supportive of anything her children chose to do.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 5, 2010 at 12:00 pm in the Chapel of Grand View Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8701 Almeda Genoa Road. Please visit www.grandviewfunerals.com for an online memorial