Thelma A. Brooks

Brooks, Thelma Agnes, of Clermont, FL formerly Ann Arbor, MI transitioned into the Kingdom on August 11, 2011. Thelma was born in Turkey, North Carolina on February 14, 1919, the youngest of seven children to Rebecca and Kelly Boone. She inherited a rich legacy of faith, family, character, leadership and entrepreneurship. At a very young age Thelma confessed her faith and devotion to Christ and joined the Greater Six-Run Baptist Church, she later became affiliated with the Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor and served in multiple capacities.

She was educated in the Sampson County public school system in North Carolina. Thelma committed herself to getting a good education to use as an investment to change conditions. Upon graduation from high school, she gained admission to Fayetteville State Normal College (now Fayetteville State University) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She attended graduate school at New York University, graduating with a Master’s Degree in education.

Thelma began her long and illustrious professional career in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina; she taught, inspired and touched thousands of children. Her high expectations, warmth and support created a bond of trust between her students and their families that continued throughout the years. Thelma pursued additional studies at the University of Michigan in early childhood education. There she met and married Booker T. Brooks. From that union a daughter, Lisa Gaye Brooks was born. Thelma taught at Perry Childhood Development Center in Ypsilanti. Thelma had the unique ability to make learning a challenging and happy experience. Her demeanor was that of a teacher personified. Her Knowledge and served as reservoir from which all could readily draw. She facilitated and held workshops throughout the area and served as a visiting instructor at Eastern Michigan University. After forty-four years of devoted and rewarding service to public education, Thelma retired.

In addition to her work experience, there were other facets of Thelma’s life. She worked diligently throughout the civil rights movement to bring about social justice. She enjoyed traveling and meeting people. As an accomplished basket weaver, gardener and floral arranger many people enjoyed the fruits her craft. She had a wide range of community interests including lifetime memberships with NAACP, National Council of Negro Women Inc., Urban League, NEA, Ann Arbor NANBPW, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The Links, Inc., Second Baptist Christian Education Council, Second Baptist Human Services and many others. During her final years of her life, Thelma was faced with physical challenges and was often down, but never out. Thelma was preceded to glory by her husband Booker T. Brooks; parents, three sisters, four brothers.

Thelma lives enternally through her daughter Lisa G. Brooks; grandsons; Sterling D. Sr., and Gianni L. Brooks, Hawthorne Faison (reared) (Shirley), great grandson; Sterling D. Jr., and Zaire Brooks, sister Annie Moore, a very special great niece Adria F. Thomas, several nieces, nephews, a very special friend, Barbara Meadows and a host of other relatives colleagues and friends. Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.