Mary Elizabeth Brooks

Mary Elizabeth Brooks, age 93, of Houston, Texas passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022. She was born Mary Elizabeth Howell in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 19, 1929. Mary graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Tx., attended Medical & Surgical Memorial School of Nursing in San Antonio, and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Houston. She was married to Oden Reed Brooks. Jr. on August 26, 1955.

Mary had a career in nursing at Pasadena Bayshore Hospital, Houston ISD, and Spring Branch ISD, retiring from her career at Spring Woods High School. She was a recipient of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership. For several years Mary was a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. She loved entertaining at her home, reading novels and poetry, and water skiing. She was an excellent tennis player and a member of the Houston Indoor Tennis Club. Some of her favorite things were Joy perfume, gardenia flowers, Tex-Mex food, saltwater taffy, Goo Goo Clusters, pralines and chocolate fudge. Mary also liked her bourbon and coke and white wine.

Mary had a passion for family, adventure, volunteering, and caring for others. She was a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and a supporter of their Second Family Care Team Ministry.

Mary volunteered for many years as the nurse at Kickapoo Kamp for Girls in Kerrville, Texas. She loved to scuba and was a PADI Divemaster, a NAUI Specialty Diver and a member of the Houston Underwater Club. Her passion for dogs was reflected by her membership in the WHWTCST, the WHWTCA, the American Working Terrier Association, the HOT Dog Club, Caring Critters Animal-Assisted Therapy, the Tejas Earthdog Club, and the Westie Rescue of Houston. She competed in many dog events and winning numerous awards with her dogs over the years. She was a member of the Piney Point Garden Club and enjoyed floral arranging and she also raised plumerias.

Her commitment to serving others included working as a docent for the Houston Zoological Gardens, serving in the Texas State Guard Medical Reserve/Texas Military Force, the State Guard Association of America, and the Texas State Guard Honorary Reserve. Mary was also an Amateur Ham Radio Operator and a licensed handgun carrier.

Mary is survived by her husband of 66 years Oden Reed Brooks, Jr., daughters Deborah Marie Brooks, Karen Brooks Lewis, and Mary Kathryn Brooks-Owen & husband David; grandchildren William Lewis III, Kelly Lewis, and Travis Owen & wife Heidi; great-grandchildren Devin Lewis, Whitney Lewis, Rihana Lewis, Alexis Lewis, and Emma Lewis; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends who were like family.

A funeral service for Mary will be held Friday, April 29, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, followed by a reception from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Brooks family.