November 14, 1957 – May 31, 2026
Donna Madge Brooks, 68, of Harrogate, Tennessee, lovingly known as "Dee" to her family, passed away at her home on May 31, 2026. She leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, stories, traditions, and treasured memories that will be carried forward by the family and friends she loved so deeply.
Donna was a graduate of Powell Valley High School and later attended Lincoln Memorial University, where she earned a degree in Business. The dedication and determination she brought to her education would become hallmarks of the strong work ethic and commitment she demonstrated throughout her life.
For 26 years, Donna was a dedicated legal assistant at Bowling Law Office in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She took great pride in her work and was known for being meticulous, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile. The office became much more than a workplace to her; it became a second family. She treasured the friendships she formed there and remained grateful for the many years spent working alongside people she loved and respected.
Outside of work, Dee found joy in the simple things that brought happiness to others. She was an exceptional baker whose homemade treats made holidays and family gatherings special. She loved crocheting and spent countless hours creating beautiful blankets and baby outfits for new additions to the family and among friends. Every stitch was made with love, and her handmade gifts became treasured keepsakes for those fortunate enough to receive them.
Whether through a homemade dessert, a crocheted gift, or a cherished family tradition, Dee had a special way of making people feel loved. Christmas was one of her favorite times of the year, and decorating the family Christmas tree brought her great joy. She was also known for her love of the color purple, which reflected the vibrant spirit she carried throughout her life.
Dee was known for her quick wit, unforgettable stories, and spirited personality. She could make a room laugh with one of her tales, whether it was a cherished family memory, a funny experience from years ago, or one of her favorite ghost stories. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling that kept family and friends entertained for hours.
Those who knew her best also knew she was not afraid to speak her mind. She could be stubborn when she believed she was right and occasionally had a temper to match her strong will, but those same qualities reflected her fierce loyalty and deep love for the people she cared about. Her family wouldn't have wanted her any other way.
She had a servant's heart and a deep devotion to her family. When those she loved faced illness, hardship, or difficult seasons of life, she was often the first to offer her time, support, and care. Her loyalty, compassion, and willingness to stand beside others through life's challenges reflected the depth of her love and the strength of her character.
Although she never had children of her own, she helped raise generations of her family. Having lived with her parents throughout her life, she became a constant presence in the lives of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless other family members. She celebrated their accomplishments, comforted them through hardships, spoiled them when she could, and loved them as if they were her own. To many, she was far more than an aunt—she was a second mother, a trusted confidante, and one of the steady foundations of the family.
In her later years, Dee began attending Shiloh Church, where she renewed her relationship with the Lord and found a peace that became one of the greatest blessings of her life. In the days before her passing, Dee shared that she was at peace and comforted by her faith. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved parents, a hope that echoes her mother's cherished prayer that "all of my family be together again in Heaven."
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Ruby Brooks, and her brother-in-law, David Icenhour.
She is survived by her sisters, Judy "Susie" Icenhour, Charlotte (Lynn) Earls, and Jill (Kent) Hatmaker; cousin Shelia (Steve) Mason; her nieces and nephews, Amy (Jason Henegar) Icenhour, Matthew (Crystal) Earls, Cayla (Trammell) Marlow, Tara (Will) Deavours, Grace Earls, Olivia (Cody) Cornelius, Nathan (Abigail) Hatmaker, and Avery (Bailey Elliott) Hatmaker; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Kenlee Huddleston, Rory Marlow, Cadance, Joncie, and Warwren Deavours, Holston, Ben "Buzz", June, and Preston Cornelius, Harper Hatmaker, and Masynn Liford.
Pallbearers will be Kent Hatmaker, Jason Henegar, Nathan Hatmaker, Will Deavours, Cody Cornelius, Bailey Elliott, and Adam Robertson.
Honorary Pallbearer: Matthew Earls
Her legacy is found not only in the blankets she crocheted, the baby clothes she lovingly made, the Christmas trees she decorated, or the desserts she baked. It lives on in the generations of family members she helped nurture, guide, and love throughout her life.
While her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing that the peace she carried in her heart has now been made complete in the presence of her Lord and Savior.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7
Forever remembered. Forever loved.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday June 2, 2026 from 1 until 3 PM at Coffey Funeral Home in Harrogate. The funeral service will be at 3 PM in the Coffey Funeral Home chapel. A graveside service will follow in the Shell Cemetery
