Wendy Jane Brooks

Wendy Jane Brooks, 57, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was a treasured daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Born into a family that embraced her wholeheartedly, Wendy grew up surrounded by love, encouragement and a wonderful community of friends. Her parents, Sam and Linda, were determined that she enjoy every opportunity life had to offer, and Wendy enthusiastically made the most of them. She was always part of the action, whether enjoying family adventures, celebrating holidays or engaging in the occasional bit of mischief.

Wendy had a remarkable gift for making the world around her a happier place. She brought joy to nearly everyone she met with her infectious smile, ready laughter, playful spirit and larger-than-life personality. Wendy loved being the center of attention, whether celebrating her birthday, singing karaoke, competing in Special Olympics or performing on stage. She loved the spotlight, but she loved it even more when others caught her spark and joined in the fun. Wendy was wonderfully unpretentious, refreshingly honest and unapologetically herself. Her feelings were rarely a mystery, her opinions were freely shared and her sense of humor often caught everyone, including Wendy herself, by surprise. She could be mischievous, stubborn, fiercely opinionated, and occasionally indignant when things didn't go her way. But those qualities were all part of the irresistible personality that made her so deeply loved.

Above all, Wendy loved people and took great pride in finding ways to contribute to the communities she called home. She had a natural gift for bringing laughter and happiness to those around her and took genuine pleasure in being part of a community. She learned sign language and enjoyed signing during church services and various performances. During her years at Just People, she enthusiastically welcomed new residents and took enormous pride in her role as a "staff helper." Wendy loved having responsibilities, helping others and knowing that she had something meaningful to contribute.

The world was a happier place because Wendy was in it. Those fortunate enough to have caught her spark will carry a little of that joy with them always.

Wendy is survived by her mother, Linda Brooks; her sister, Ashley Brooks; her brother, Dan Brooks; her “sister-in-law,” Lisa Brooks; and nephews, Sam, Marley and Cash Brooks. She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Allen Brooks, Jr. and many others who loved her. Wendy has quite a crowd waiting for her in heaven.

Two memorial services will be held to honor Wendy’s life. The first on Thursday, November 12 at 2:00pm in the Wilson Chapel of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service. A second service will be held on Tuesday, November 17 at 4:00pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, 2323 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215. A reception will follow at 6:00pm at Hillwood Country Club, 6201 Hickory Valley Road, Nashville, TN 37205. The family invites all who knew Wendy to attend and share their favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Next Steps program at Vanderbilt University (through their website at https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/nextsteps/) or Just People, Inc., 1412 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 180, Norcross, GA 30093, or through their website at https://justpeople.org.